Politics 15 June 2026 Nile Post
Kayunga NRM Faces Deepening Rift Over Successor to Late Chairperson Karangwa
A faction within the NRM in Kayunga District has controversially endorsed Augustine Tumwine, brother of the late district chairperson Moses Karangwa, as a successor. However, district NRM officials have declared this move invalid, stating it bypasses established party procedures. Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/348788/nrm-kayunga-rift-deepens-over-push-to-endorse-karangwas-brother-as-successor
Tensions are escalating within the National Resistance Movement (NRM) in Kayunga District following an apparent attempt by a segment of party members to endorse Augustine Tumwine as the successor to his late brother, former District Chairperson Moses Karangwa Kaliisa.
Karangwa passed away in a road accident on May 17, 2026, leaving the position vacant and sparking a contest among interested party members.
The controversy ignited when a group of NRM supporters reportedly held a meeting, deciding to back Tumwine and intending to present his name to the NRM Secretariat. This move, however, has been strongly refuted by district NRM officials.
According to Jamada Kivumbi, the District NRM Registrar, the purported endorsement holds no legal standing within the NRM constitution. He emphasized that the party has specific procedures for filling such vacancies, which cannot be circumvented by any individual or group.
Kivumbi further stated that numerous party members have already expressed their interest in the chairpersonship. He warned against any premature attempts to predetermine the outcome, stressing that the National Secretariat must officially declare the vacancy and organize elections to ensure a fair process for all aspirants.
Under NRM party rules, the District Vice Chairperson typically assumes acting duties following the death or departure of a substantive chairperson. Currently, David Kato holds this acting role, awaiting official guidance from the party’s national leadership.
Kato corroborated Kivumbi’s statements, asserting that no meeting was convened to elect a successor and urging party members to await the official roadmap from the NRM Secretariat. This internal dispute highlights growing factionalism within the Kayunga NRM structure, with some advocating for continuity and others demanding an open electoral process.
The NRM National Secretariat is now expected to provide the necessary direction for filling the vacant District Chairperson position, including the timeline for conducting a by-election. The ongoing disagreement suggests that the contest for leadership in Kayunga may become even more pronounced in the coming months.
This report is based on information from Nile Post.