The Minister of Microfinance and National Resistance Movement (NRM) vice chairperson for Buganda region, Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo, has praised the ruling party’s performance in the recently concluded parliamentary elections, claiming the results marked a major setback for the opposition.
Speaking to supporters in Masaka City, Kasolo said the NRM’s electoral success was the result of deliberate efforts to penetrate opposition strongholds, particularly in Buganda.
Kasolo highlighted the defeat of several senior opposition figures as a key outcome of the elections. Among those he cited were Muwanga Kivumbi, the National Unity Platform (NUP) deputy president for Buganda and long-serving Butambala MP; Lutamaguzi Ssemakula, a two-term MP for Nakaseke South; and Gorete Namugga, the MP for Mawogola South.
Other opposition figures who lost their seats, according to Kasolo, include Bukoto East MP Evans Kanyike, NUP secretary general Lewis Rubongoya, NUP deputy spokesperson Waiswa Mufumbiro, among others.
“The people of Buganda have spoken, and they have chosen progress over opposition rhetoric,” Kasolo said.
“We have worked tirelessly to ensure that the NRM message resonates with the people, and today we are seeing the fruits of that labour.”
Kasolo said the party’s performance was evidence of voter confidence in the NRM’s development agenda, particularly projects implemented in Buganda.
“As NRM, we are proud of the work we have done on the ground. We have implemented key initiatives such as road construction, poverty eradication programmes like Emyooga and the Parish Development Model, all aimed at improving the livelihoods of ordinary Ugandans,” he said.
He accused opposition leaders of prioritising criticism of government over service delivery to their constituents.
“While we have been working to change lives, opposition leaders have been preoccupied with negativity and spreading misinformation. The people have seen through it,” Kasolo said.
Kasolo also welcomed the NRM’s performance in Kampala, where the party secured three parliamentary seats, describing it as a breakthrough in a city traditionally dominated by opposition parties.
“For years, Kampala has been an opposition stronghold, but we are now seeing the NRM gaining ground. This shows that the message of progress is being accepted even in areas where we previously struggled,” he said.
The minister urged voters to extend their support to NRM candidates in the upcoming local government elections, saying strong local leadership was essential for effective implementation of the party’s development agenda.
“Our victory in the parliamentary elections is just the beginning. We need to consolidate this support at the local government level so that development reaches the grassroots,” he said.
The NRM emerged from the parliamentary elections with 58 elected MPs on the party ticket. Kasolo said the outcome should encourage Ugandans to rally behind the ruling party’s vision for national development.
As he concluded his address, Kasolo reaffirmed his commitment to serving the people of Buganda and Uganda.
“We will continue to serve with dedication and humility. The NRM will not rest until every Ugandan has access to the opportunities they deserve,” he said.
