Kampala, Uganda: Comrade Hakim Kyeswa, the aspiring NRM Vice Chairperson for Central Uganda, has sounded an urgent call for unity and reconciliation in the ruling party following what he described as bruising and, in some cases, violent primaries across the country.
In a bold and emotionally charged statement released Sunday, July 20, Kyeswa, a generational NRM leader, congratulated winners of the party’s recently concluded parliamentary primaries but warned against complacency and arrogance that risk fracturing the party’s support ahead of the 2026 general elections.
“Your victory is a testament to your hard work, dedication, and the trust the people have placed in you,” the ONC Digital Media boss noted. “But unity is our strength, reach out to those who competed against you, for their support will be crucial in securing our party’s success.”
Kyeswa expressed concern over reports of violence, intimidation, and electoral malpractice that marred some of the primaries, saying such acts contradict the NRM’s core values.
“I strongly condemn any acts of violence that may have occurred during these internal elections. The NRM stands for peace, democracy, and respect for all members. Let us resolve our differences through dialogue and uphold the values of our party,” he emphasized.
His remarks come at a tense time for the ruling party, where several losers in the primaries, including sitting MPs and prominent figures, have already declared intentions to run as independents, a development that has left party strategists scrambling to contain a potential wave of rebellion reminiscent of past election cycles.
Kyeswa used the moment to rally both victors and losers under the NRM flag, urging reconciliation at the grassroots level. “This is not the end of your journey; your contributions remain invaluable, and I urge you to stay engaged as we work together to strengthen the NRM,” he said in a direct message to those who lost.
Positioning himself as a unifier in his bid for the NRM Vice Chairmanship for Central Buganda, Kyeswa pledged to bring structured leadership that prioritizes reconciliation, resourcing, and rebuilding trust among the party’s grassroots.
“If entrusted with this responsibility, I pledge to present a strategic plan in CEC that ensures sufficient funding, effective reconciliation, and grassroots mobilization to secure victory for all our flag bearers. Together, we can build a stronger, more inclusive NRM that delivers for the people,” he stated.
Kyeswa’s rallying cry, “Nothing For Us Without Us,” has become a signature message in his campaign, resonating with many younger cadres and those who feel marginalized within the ruling party’s central power structures.
Political analysts say this slogan reflects broader anxieties within the NRM as the party prepares for one of its most competitive elections yet, especially in the vote-rich but politically restless Central Uganda.
“His comments are a recognition of the post-primaries trauma the party is dealing with,” said Gerald Musoke, a Kampala-based political analyst, adding, “If NRM doesn’t heal quickly, it risks giving the opposition a foothold in areas where it has traditionally been dominant.”
The NRM party is expected to officially begin reconciliation efforts in August at the dlegates’ conference, with President Museveni set to meet selected flagbearers and aggrieved members across the regions.
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