NRM Mobilisers Accuse Presidential Advisor's Team of Fake Converts and Unpaid Dues

Disgruntled National Resistance Movement (NRM) mobilisers in Rukungiri district are leveling serious accusations against the campaign team of Senior Presidential Advisor Peace Rugambwa. They allege that the team staged fake defections from opposition parties like the National Unity Platform (NUP) and the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) to mislead President Yoweri Museveni about the campaign’s success during the 2026 general elections.

The mobilisers claim they were hired for a door-to-door campaign across southwestern Uganda, persuading voters to support President Museveni and NRM candidates. However, after working for over 15 days, they have allegedly not received promised payments, ranging from Shs 300,000 to Shs 3 million, and have incurred personal expenses for transport and communication.

Collins Mumpe, a district chairperson for the “Team Peace Rugambwa for President Museveni” campaign, stated that the team went as far as printing counterfeit opposition membership cards to create the illusion of significant NUP and FDC support shifting to NRM. This deception, they claim, was intended to impress both the public and senior NRM officials.

Furthermore, the mobilisers allege they were promised substantial post-election rewards, including cash payments, a vehicle, and a State House meeting with President Museveni. They state that Rugambwa has since become unreachable, ignoring their calls. The group is appealing to President Museveni to intervene in the dispute, citing internal mismanagement and unfulfilled promises within the local NRM structures.

Several mobilisers from Rukungiri and Mitooma districts have come forward with these claims, stating that Rugambwa had pledged significant sums and benefits. As of the report’s filing, Peace Rugambwa had not commented on the allegations.

Source: The Observer (Uganda)