Kololo, Kampala: A dramatic and emotional speech by Hakim Kyeyune Kyeswa significantly reshaped the Central Region race for NRM Vice Chairperson on Wednesday evening, paving the way for State Minister Haruna Kasolo Kyeyune to clinch an enormous win in one of the most fiercely contested CEC slots.
Kyeswa, one of the initial aspirants, withdrew from the race shortly before voting began and in a stirring speech to delegates, urged unity and clean politics, whilst backing Kasolo for the race, saying:
“For the greater good of Buganda, and for the cohesion of our great Party, the NRM, I have made a decision. I am stepping down from this race, and I am throwing my full support behind my brother, Honourable Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo. … Let’s resist any intimidation. Let’s reject any bribes. Let’s do the right thing. Let’s vote for Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo.”
Kyeswa’s dramatic exit sent shockwaves across Kololo Independence Grounds, immediately tilting delegate sentiment in Kasolo’s favour.
When results were announced by Dr Tanga Odoi in the wee hours of Thursday morning, Kasolo had edged Kalangwa by a slim margin, securing 4,194 votes (50.3%) against 3,981 votes (47.7%), a gap political observers say would have been impossible without Kyeswa’s strategic withdrawal.
A senior party insider DailyExpress spoke to on condition of anonymity said: “Had Kyeswa stayed on the ballot, he would have split the youthful vote and weakened Kasolo’s base. His exit, especially with that powerful endorsement, handed Kasolo the momentum that pushed him past Kalangwa.”
Byaruhanga Jefferson, another observer of the CEC elections noted that Kyeswa’s speech touched the emotional nerve of delegates: “He spoke about land grabbing, about the fears in Buganda, and called for unity. Delegates were moved, and many immediately shifted their loyalty to Kasolo.”
The development has been read as a turning point in Buganda’s NRM politics, proving that youthful voices like Kyeswa’s can carry weight even without clinching office.
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