By KT Reporter
The Busia District National Resistance Movement (NRM) executive committee has embarked on a reconciliation exercise among party flag bearers in an effort to reduce internal disunity ahead of the 2026 general elections. The reconciliation meeting, held on Saturday at a hotel in Busia Town, brought together over 400 NRM flag bearers holding positions at parish, sub-county, district, and parliamentary levels.
Izac Muwanguzi, the Busia District NRM party chairperson, said the committee has been receiving complaints from flag bearers claiming that some party members have been decampaigning them. He noted that the party aims to improve its performance in the 2026 elections compared to 2021, when President Yoweri Museveni garnered 46.7 percent of the votes against Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu’s 62 percent in the district. Muwanguzi added that the committee will continue holding reconciliation meetings to address grievances raised by party members and promote unity within the NRM.
He appealed to all party leaders to forgive each other and abide by the NRM party guidelines.
Former Principal Judge James Ogola, who presided over the reconciliation meeting, emphasized unity, integrity, courage, and love for the ruling party. He reminded the flag bearers that before the NRM, other political parties such as the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) had also governed the country.
Ogola also urged leaders to focus on their responsibilities and avoid mixing politics with issues such as mineral resources and spiritual beliefs, saying these matters go beyond politics.
Julius Maganda, the former Minister for East African Community Affairs and current NRM flag bearer for the Samia Bugwe South parliamentary seat, said some of his strongest opponents are from within the NRM itself. He expressed optimism that the reconciliation effort will help reduce divisions.
Ismail Sowedi Mulemya, the NRM flag bearer for Busia Municipality, noted that despite internal differences, the party faces challenges such as police operations where supporters are allegedly arrested unfairly, an act he said undermines the NRM’s performance.
Yusuf Jabeeri, the NRM chairperson for Busia Municipality, said they plan to hold joint campaigns for all flag bearers in the area. He, however, cited corruption as a major obstacle to effective service delivery.
Hope Janet Nasirwa, the NRM flag bearer for the Woman MP seat, expressed disappointment that some party flag bearers are hosting independent and opposition candidates, calling for an immediate end to the practice.
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