Butambala, Uganda: Senior National Resistance Movement (NRM) leaders in Central region have called for unity and reconciliation among party candidates as part of the ongoing “Buganda Ku M7” mobilization campaign, with a strong bid to reclaim Butambala District from the Opposition in the forthcoming 2026 general elections.
The rally, held at Bulo Subcounty Grounds in Butambala District, was headlined by Attorney General Kiryowa Kiwanuka and the NRM Vice Chairperson for Central Buganda, Hon. Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo, Gomba District Woman MP Hon Sylvia Nayebale, Mawogola West MP Hon Anifa Kawooya, alongside district NRM flag bearers and party leaders.
The rally aimed at rallying unified efforts to rally grassroots support for President Museveni and NRM flagbearers in a district that has, in recent years, been dominated by opposition figures, including 13 out of 30 in the previous (2021) elections.
Delivering the keynote address as the Chief Guest, Mr Kiryowa urged NRM members to put aside their differences and work together to consolidate the party’s support base across Buganda. “Our strength is in unity. Independents and flag bearers must stop working in isolation. We either win together or lose together — and losing is not an option,” he emphasized.
The AG reminded the gathering that President Museveni’s government continues to prioritize Buganda, despite the region’s low voting record for NRM. “The President gave Buganda 14 cabinet slots, and in Butambala alone, Shs7.7 billion under PDM, Shs1.6 billion under Emyooga, and over 3.9 million coffee seedlings have been distributed. That is leadership that rewards everyone, not just those who vote for us,” he said.
He also cautioned residents against land grabbing and pledged full government intervention to protect ordinary citizens. “No Ugandan should lose their land unfairly. If anyone tries to evict you, reach out through your RDC or the Minister of Lands — we shall act,” Kiryowa warned.
Kiryowa, who is leading the mandate for NRM Mobilization in Buganda this election term, assured residents that road upgrades, including the Bulo–Gombe road, were already in the pipeline, saying design works had been completed and construction would commence in the next term.
Kasolo vows to reconcile NRM factions
NRM Vice Chairperson for Buganda, Hon. Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo, who convened the rally, acknowledged that internal divisions and mistrust among party members had cost the ruling party critical votes in Butambala, where the Opposition currently dominates 13 out of 20 positions as per 2021 elections.
“I know there are misunderstandings between flag bearers and some independents, but I promise to sit everyone down. The enemy is not within — the enemy is those who are against President Museveni,” Kasolo said, calling for loyalty and party discipline.
He challenged NRM leaders to lift Museveni’s support in Butambala from the 25% recorded in the previous election to a commanding majority in 2026. “We cannot allow the Opposition to keep blocking development because of internal grudges. Let’s vote the party flag and build together,” he added.
Local leaders call for more development funding
Umar Murishid Kangave, the LC5 Flag Bearer for Butambala, commended the government for allocating Shs7 billion for road rehabilitation but appealed for more support to match the district’s vast road network.
He also asked for logistical help for youth and women enterprises, noting that local groups needed a garbage truck for recycling projects and seedlings to boost ginger and coffee farming. “Our youth and women are ready to work. What they need is support to turn their efforts into sustainable income,” he said.
Ms Nakato Noor, the NRM Woman MP flag bearer, who is facing stiff resistance from NRM-leaning independent Hon Mirembe Lydia, urged the community to make history by electing the district’s first-ever Woman MP under the ruling party since it was carved out of Mpigi.
“Since the time of former Minister Namirembe Bitamazire as Mpigi Woman MP, Butambala has never had an NRM legislator. Let’s change that record,” she said, decrying poor roads in Bulo Subcounty and urging swift intervention.
Meanwhile, State Minister for Health (General Duties) Hon. Anifa Kawooya Bangirana revealed that Gombe General Hospital, built in 1969 under Obote government, was slated for elevation to referral status, with Shs20 billion already secured for a facelift and 16 new staff quarters under construction.
“Voting NRM accelerates service delivery. Opposition MPs delay progress because they oppose the very policies that bring development,” she said.
Since gaining district status in 2010, Butambala has seen steady progress under NRM, including the establishment of three seed secondary schools, a general hospital, six functional health centres, electricity access in all subcounties, safe water coverage, and irrigation schemes for farmers.
The rally concluded with performances by Stabua Natooro, Ronald Mayinja, and Gravity Omutujju, leaving the crowd energized under the “Buganda Ku M7” call to reclaim the region for NRM and President Museveni.
If you would like your article/opinion to be published on Uganda’s most authoritative news platform, send your submission on: [email protected]. You can also follow DailyExpress on WhatsApp and on Twitter (X) for realtime updates.
