Kayunga NRM Elders Warn of Party Divisions Jeopardizing Support

Long-serving members of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) in Kayunga District have expressed serious concerns about growing internal rifts within the party. These NRM historicals, including Muhammad Kiviiri and retired Lt. Esperito Tude, are warning that without swift action to address these issues, the party risks losing the substantial support it has enjoyed in the region for years.

According to the veterans, some current party officials are prioritizing personal interests and exhibiting indiscipline, which is undermining party unity. They point to the introduction of registration fees and financial incentives tied to certain party positions as a contributing factor. This, they argue, has drawn individuals motivated by personal gain rather than a genuine commitment to the NRM’s founding principles.

Kiviiri lamented the change from the early days when leadership was about sacrifice and voluntary mobilization, contrasting it with the current situation where financial opportunities seem to be the primary draw. The elders recalled a time when NRM dominated Kayunga, securing over 90 percent of votes and attracting opposition members through strong grassroots mobilization and ideological appeal.

Retired Lt. Esperito Tude noted that the political landscape has shifted, with internal disagreements now frequently impacting local party structures. He stated that what was once the “darling of the people” is now characterized by bitter contests for positions and increasing divisions.

The elders cautioned that opposition parties, particularly the National Unity Platform (NUP), are capitalizing on the growing dissatisfaction among some NRM supporters and have bolstered their presence in the district. Another elder, Sendiise, warned that political parties decline gradually when internal concerns are ignored, risking eventual political irrelevance in areas like Kayunga where support is no longer guaranteed.

These warnings come amidst controversy surrounding the recent endorsement of Augustine Tumwine as the district NRM chairman, a process some members claim did not adhere to party procedures. The veterans are urging the national NRM leadership to intervene, resolve these disagreements, and restore discipline, transparency, and respect for party protocols to prevent further alienation of members and secure future electoral success.

Source: Nile Post