NRM Bigwigs Dominate Western Uganda Party Elections Amidst Bribery Allegations

By Our Reporter

The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party has concluded its internal elections for district leadership positions, with several political heavyweights in Western Uganda emerging victorious—despite widespread allegations of voter bribery, intimidation, and interference.

In Rukungiri District, Minister for Security Maj Gen Jim Muhwezi triumphed over his former colleague and rival, Lt Gen Henry Tumukunde, to secure the position of District NRM Chairperson. However, the victory came under a cloud of controversy.

Tumukunde, a former Security Minister, withdrew from the race at the eleventh hour, citing electoral malpractices.

“I have decided to withdraw from the Rukungiri District NRM Chairperson election in protest of the irregularities witnessed during the process. This decision comes after serious reflection. My commitment to serve the people of Rukungiri remains unwavering,”

he posted on X (formerly Twitter).

In Rubanda District, Henry Musasizi, the Minister of State for Finance (General Duties), secured the NRM chairmanship with 503 votes, defeating Drake Diaz Owoyesigire who polled 43 votes, while Jackson Tumwebonire failed to secure any.

Minister Musaazi after being elected

In Kabale District, Minister of State for Industry David Bahati won the district NRM Chairperson seat with a resounding 539 votes, beating Andrew Baryayanga Aja, a former MP for Kabale Municipality, who garnered just 49 votes. Bahati has been occupying the same position for the last 5 years.

David Bahati, Minister for Industry

In Kamwenge District, Minister for Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries Frank Tumwebaze maintained a strong grip on local support, securing 572 votes against Aggrey Natuhamya, a former district chairperson, who managed just 11 votes. Aggrey is also contesting to unseat Frank Tumwebaze for MP Kibale East County.

Minister Frank Tumwebaze

Ibanda District also saw a tight race where former Woman MP and current Deputy National Coordinator of the Parish Development Model, Joverine Kariisa, defeated sitting MP for Ibanda North, Xavier Kyoma, by 443 votes to 87.

In Kisoro, veteran politician Dr. Philemon Mateke, a former minister in both the Obote and Museveni governments, was re-elected unopposed as district chairperson, cementing his political longevity.

In Bushenyi District, prominent businessman Hassan Basajjabalaba retained his seat as district NRM chairperson after defeating Kampala-based businessman Casbert Tukundane.

While the victories further entrench the dominance of senior party figures in the region, the elections have raised fresh concerns about the integrity of the internal electoral processes in the NRM, with critics calling for greater transparency and reforms

For example in Kabale Andrew Baryayanga accused Minister Bahati of hosting all the voters at the hotel and emerging with them on voting day. In Rukungiri Jim Muhwezi was accused of transporting the voters to Kihihi Town in Kanungu District where they spent a night before coming to vote. The same allegations were made in several other districts