Politics 8 May 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
NRM Factions Clash in Kayunga Over District Speaker Nominee
Divisions have emerged within the ruling NRM party in Kayunga District as two prominent factions are vying to nominate their preferred candidate for the District Speaker position, leading to heated confrontations. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/tempers-flare-in-kayunga-as-nrm-camps-clash-over-district-speaker-post-5451756
Tensions are high in Kayunga District as factions within the ruling NRM party are locked in a dispute over the nomination of their candidate for the District Speaker post. The internal party struggle has fractured loyalists into two opposing camps.
One side, led by District NRM Chairperson Moses Karangwa, reportedly backs Sula Seruwu, a councilor for Kangulumira sub-county. The opposing faction, headed by District Chairperson Andrew Muwonge, is supporting Michael Naada, the Kitimbwa sub-county councilor and current district secretary for education.
The conflict spilled into the open when Mr. Karangwa called a meeting for elected district councilors at the NRM offices, intending to unify the party’s stance before the upcoming election. However, Mr. Muwonge’s group protested the meeting, deeming it “illegal and unconstitutional” as the councilors had not yet been sworn in.
A verbal altercation ensued between Mr. Karangwa and Mr. Muwonge during the closed-door session, which was attended by UPDF soldiers and bouncers. Mr. Muwonge, visibly angered, stormed out of the meeting, accusing Mr. Karangwa of attempting to overstep his authority and usurp the councilors’ electing powers.
Despite the walkout, 15 councilors remained and proceeded with an election, which saw Sula Seruwu emerge as the NRM’s chosen flag bearer for the Speaker position. Mr. Karangwa emphasized his desire for party unity, expressing concern over the opposition potentially securing the Speaker role and vowing to reconcile with Mr. Muwonge’s faction.