National Resistance Movement mobilizers in Rukungiri District are demanding payment for 15 days spent campaigning for President Museveni and other NRM flag bearers during the January 15, 2026 general elections.
The mobilizers, ranging from parish to district level, gathered on May 13, 2026, at Merphie Hotel in Eastern Division, Rukungiri Municipality, to protest what they described as failure by Senior Presidential Advisor on Agriculture and Local People Peace Rugambwa to fulfill promises allegedly made during the campaign period.
The group claims Rugambwa promised allowances of Shs300,000 for parish-level mobilizers, Shs750,000 for sub-county mobilizers, Shs1.5 million for constituency mobilizers and Shs3 million for district-level mobilizers.
Collins Mumpe, who also serves as the Mitooma District chairperson for the group, said the issue affects mobilizers in 12 districts across southwestern Uganda where the team reportedly operated.
“We are asking President Museveni to intervene. This matter is causing divisions within the NRM. We worked for 15 days using our own money. Up to now, we have not been paid,” Mumpe stated.
Mumpe also accused Rugambwa of allegedly staging fake political defections during the campaign by hiring people and printing Forum for Democratic Change and National Unity Platform cards to create what he described as an impression of active mobilization.
Several mobilizers, including Peruth Nimusiima, Joy Ngabirano, Talent Nagasha, LC1 Chairperson John-Bosco Muhumuza, Julie Turyagyenda and Richard Turyabira, alleged that they were promised additional benefits after the elections.
According to the group, the promises included Shs10 million for each of eight district-level team members, a vehicle for the group and a trip to State House to meet the President.
The mobilizers further alleged that Rugambwa collected Shs12,000 from members of the public about 15 years ago with promises of mattresses and other items but allegedly disappeared after collecting the money.
They appealed to the President to ensure those affected are refunded with interest.
The group also accused Rugambwa of promoting divisionism within the NRM through alleged social media attacks targeting Security Minister Jim Muhwezi Katugugu and Rukungiri Resident District Commissioner Bron Kikanshemeza.
Efforts to obtain a comment from Peace Rugambwa were unsuccessful by press time.
