NRM flagbearers, party-leaning independents, and candidates who lost in the party primaries gathered at Ntungamo District headquarters in a reconciliation meeting aimed at fostering unity and mobilising support for the party and President Museveni ahead of the 2026 general elections.
The engagement, led by Eng. Jonard Asiimwe, NRM National Vice Chairperson for Western Region and member of the Central Executive Committee (CEC), focused on peacebuilding, reconciliation, and strengthening internal party harmony.
Asiimwe urged participants to set aside bitterness and rally behind President Museveni, emphasizing the importance of respecting party structures.
“We need a generation that is going to work together and support President Museveni,” Asiimwe said.
“Ntungamo has many voters — once we confuse them, we are finished. Don’t abuse independents or flag bearers. Those who have been given a chance to campaign should use structures.”
He warned against independents hiding behind pressure groups, emphasizing adherence to party directives.
“If there is a candidate who is independent and in PLU, please resign. We shall not tolerate that. Follow the letter of your chairperson,” he said, also cautioning against exploiting the name of the First Lady in political strategies.
The meeting, however, was not without tension. Several NRM-leaning independents expressed frustration, saying reconciliation had come too late and could not undo injustices faced during party primaries.
Naboth Mpirirwe, NRM Entrepreneurs’ League Secretary for Publicity in Ntungamo District and an independent aspirant for LC5 chairperson, said party leadership delayed addressing internal conflicts.
“The national vice chairperson has come when Ntungamo has caught fire,” Mpirirwe said.
“He is requesting us to step down for the flag bearers, but there’s no way I can rally behind someone who stole the flag — that’s unacceptable. I would rather support an independent who participated in the NRM primaries. However, I support President Museveni. Requesting us to step down is another issue.”
Phillip Tumuhimbise, who lost in the NRM primaries for Ntungamo Municipality, echoed similar concerns, highlighting the need for accountability.
“There are faults that should be accepted that they were done. I have seen many candidates who lost their flags innocently," he said.
"Reconciliation should be led by those who caused the problem. NRM is troubled, especially in the municipality. Let’s meet on one table — those who lost and those with the flag."
Despite heated exchanges, many independents affirmed continued support for President Museveni’s re-election bid while maintaining their independent status.
Denis Savimbi Muhumuza, District Councillor for Itojo, called for unity.
“People wanted to push us away, but you cannot push cadres away. Let’s unite and look for President Museveni’s votes. This bitterness, we can overcome ourselves,” he said.
