Efforts to reconcile National Resistance Movement (NRM) flag bearers and independent candidates in Rukungiri District have collapsed amid deep-seated divisions among party leaders.
The reconciliation meeting, organized by the NRM District Chairperson and Minister of Security Maj. Gen. Jim Muhwezi, was intended to harmonize party members ahead of parliamentary nominations scheduled for tomorrow in preparation for the 2026 general elections.
Medias Natukunda Kaharata, the woman Member of Parliament for Rukungiri District who lost the NRM primaries to Mary Paula Turyahikanyo, insisted her decision to run as an independent is personal and protected by the Constitution.
“Reconciliation comes from one’s heart; there should be no one forcing people to reconcile. No one should pressure us into reconciliation,” Kaharata said.
Mary Paula Turyahikanyo, the NRM flag bearer for the woman MP seat, described the meeting as unproductive, saying it was marred by accusations.
“In the case of independent candidates, we shall see divisionism among party members in our district during the 2026 general elections,” Turyahikanyo stated.
Gen. Henry Tumukunde, the Rukungiri Municipality NRM flag bearer, urged party members to end infighting, emphasizing that internal wrangles only weaken the party.
The meeting ultimately ended without resolutions, highlighting persistent fractures within the NRM in Rukungiri District as candidates prepare for the upcoming nominations.
