By KT Reporter
Disagreements have erupted among top National Resistance Movement (NRM) leaders in Kagadi District following a public declaration by the Senior Presidential Advisor and District NRM Treasurer, Patrick Zikanshagiza, that he will support an independent candidate in the forthcoming LC V chairperson elections.
The disagreement arose during a Kagadi District NRM leaders’ meeting held on Tuesday morning at the URDT Centre for Reflection, organised by the Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Ms Karoline Nashemeza.
The meeting was intended to review the recently concluded presidential and parliamentary elections. The meeting brought together LC III NRM flag bearers, sub-county NRM chairpersons, district councillor flag bearers, members of the district NRM executive, the Deputy RDC, and other party leaders.
During the meeting, Zikanshagiza publicly announced that he would back Hon. Tumusiime Elly Gard, an independent candidate contesting for the LC V chairperson seat in the local council elections scheduled for January 22. His declaration triggered protests from NRM leaders present, prompting some members to walk out of the meeting.
NRM cadres accused Zikanshagiza of betraying the party, arguing that his actions contradict directives from the NRM National Chairman, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, who has repeatedly urged party members to rally behind official NRM flag bearers at all levels.
Ezra Musinguzi, an NRM member, rejected Zikanshagiza’s position, saying party members must uphold NRM principles and discipline. He stressed that supporting independent candidates weakens party structures and undermines collective decision-making.
John Niwagaba, another NRM member, accused Zikanshagiza of trying to mislead and divide party members. He warned that such actions could create confusion among voters and erode the unity that has kept NRM strong in the district.
Christine Tusiime, the NRM female flag bearer for Kiryanga Sub-county, urged party members to stand firm with official flag bearers, noting that NRM has the capacity, experience, and systems to deliver services to the people.
Although the RDC later persuaded members to return to the meeting, they demanded that Zikanshagiza either leave or risk the collapse of the gathering. Defending his position, Patrick Zikanshagiza said supporting a candidate of one’s choice is a democratic right, regardless of party affiliation. He explained that his decision was based on Hon. Elly Gard’s manifesto and leadership qualities, adding that he would continue supporting him despite holding a senior position in government and the NRM district executive. Rukiga Audio
The Kagadi District Chairperson and NRM flag bearer for the LC V seat, Ndibwami B. Yosia, urged party members to support his candidature, pledging continued cooperation and inclusive leadership to accelerate development in the district.
Meanwhile, Kagadi District NRM Chairperson Karungi Erukaana Mpoza emphasized the importance of voting for NRM flag bearers at all levels, noting that this strengthens party unity, coordination, and service delivery. He appealed to members to avoid hatred and political divisions.
Addressing the meeting, RDC Karoline Nanshemeza clarified that the gathering was meant to mobilise NRM members to support only official party flag bearers in the remaining local council elections. She warned that members who campaign for independent or opposition candidates risk losing their party membership. Rukiga Audio
Ndibwami Yosia is facing three independent candidates: Augustine Katuramu, Buringi Zephaniah, and Tumusiime Elly Gard.Divisions among Kagadi District NRM leaders were also witnessed during the presidential and parliamentary campaigns. This became evident when the district NRM Vice Chairperson, Amara Peter, publicly declared support for independent candidate Hon. Janepher Kyomuhendo Mbabazi against Hon. Naziwa Margaret, the NRM flag bearer for Kagadi District Woman Member of Parliament.
Amara was widely criticised for his actions. Despite the internal disagreements, all parliamentary seats in Kagadi District were won by NRM flag bearers, leading to the defeat of all independent candidates.
Twesige Stephen, the NRM flag bearer for Buyaga East County, won the parliamentary seat after garnering 34,637 votes, defeating the incumbent MP Eric Musana, who polled 25,310 votes. Musana had contested as an independent after losing the NRM primaries to Twesige. Twesige was declared winner by the Kagadi District Returning Officer, Ataha Mercy.
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