CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA: Fresh internal tensions have emerged within the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) diaspora structures after the party’s South Africa Chapter formally petitioned President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni over alleged misrepresentation, factionalism, and a controversial “victory celebration” event.
In a letter dated March 24, 2026, addressed to the President and Party National Chairman, the NRM South Africa Chapter (NRMSAC) vehemently disowned a planned victory party scheduled for this weekend, March 27–28, in Cape Town, stating it was organized “without the involvement or consultation” of the official leadership.
The complaint, signed by the Chapter Chairman, Mr Isma Luzige, accuses a ‘rogue’ group led by one Philip Kakuru of undermining party structures and creating confusion among members in the diaspora.
“A group led by Mr Philip Kakuru has organized a purported “victory celebration” scheduled for 27th–28th March in Cape Town, South Africa, without the involvement or consultation of NRMSAC leadership and members,” the letter, copy of which is seen by DailyExpress, reads in part.
“Traditionally, such celebrations are organized in alignment with official NRM Secretariat programs, including the swearing-in events scheduled to take place in May, and in accordance with the agreed NRMSAC roadmap, which we intend to implement as planned.”
“We therefore categorically state that NRMSAC is not associated with this event,” the letter added.
The Cape Town event, widely circulated on diaspora platforms, is understood to be part of broader mobilization efforts celebrating President Museveni’s January 2026 election victory, though it now appears to be at the centre of a growing internal dispute.
Claims of Parallel Structures, Impersonation
Beyond the disputed celebration, the South Africa chapter raises deeper concerns about what it describes as “systematic destabilization” of party structures abroad.
The group alleges the formation of a parallel entity, “NRMO South Africa Branch”, which it claims is operating without recognition and impersonating official NRM structures on digital platforms.
“We are also concerned that this group has recently registered a parallel entity referred to as “NRMO South Africa Branch,” with the apparent intention of undermining the legitimate leadership and activities of NRMSAC. In addition, they are impersonating the official NRM South Africa Chapter on various
media platforms, thereby misleading members and the public,” the letter states.
Mr Luzige further accuses the same group of attempting to establish a SACCO without consultation, calling it a unilateral move that risks fragmenting diaspora coordination.
“No official meetings have been convened to discuss or approve such an initiative. This further demonstrates a pattern of unilateral actions aimed at destabilizing established party structures within the diaspora,” the petition warns.
Calls for Museveni’s Intervention
The chapter is now seeking direct intervention from President Museveni to restore order and clarify legitimate leadership structures within the diaspora.
Among the key requests include; an affirmative action against individuals allegedly misusing the President’s name, protection of unity within NRM South Africa structures and establishment of clear guidance on recognized leadership and authorized activities.
The letter was also copied to senior party figures, including NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong and Vice Chairman Moses Kigongo, signaling the seriousness of the dispute.
Victory Party Controversy Deepens
While details about the Cape Town “victory celebration” remain limited, diaspora mobilizers have promoted it as a major post-election gathering of Ugandans in South Africa, intended to rally support and consolidate NRM structures abroad.
However, the latest complaint by the chapter now exposes internal fractures over legitimacy, coordination, and control of diaspora activities, issues that have historically plagued political party chapters outside Uganda.
Efforts to obtain a comment from the NRM Secretariat were unsuccessful by press time, as repeated attempts to reach the Director of External Relations at the NRM Secretariat, Maj. (Rtd) Awich Pollar, as well as Secretary General Rt Hon Richard Todwong, did not yield responses.
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