Despite visible cracks within its ranks, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) parliamentary caucus is moving forward with a much-anticipated rally on April 13th at Kasaana playgrounds in Mubende District.
The event is part of a broader effort to rejuvenate support for President Museveni in the Buganda region—a region where his political grip has notably loosened in recent years.
Mubende District is represented by five NRM Members of Parliament: Hon. Lubega Bashir Ssempa (Mubende Municipality), Hope Grania Nakazibwe (District Woman MP), Museveni William Ndoori (Buwekula South), Mbabazi Pascal (Buwekula County), and Kabanda David (Kasambya County).
The district’s leadership also includes LC5 Chairperson Muhereza Michael Ntambi, another key NRM figure.
But unity appears to be in short supply.
Hope Grania Nakazibwe has openly distanced herself from the event, citing a lack of communication. “I am not aware of any preparations, and I will not be attending,” Hope stated, signaling underlying tensions among party members. Other local leaders have echoed similar sentiments, expressing doubts about the rally’s potential success.
In spite of the rift, rally host Hon. Lubega Bashir Ssempa remains resolute. During a press briefing, he displayed what he claimed was official communication sent to all area MPs and the LC5 chairperson.
“Everyone received the invitation but just they don’t want the event to be successful, but I will shame them on this,” Ssempa noted.
The rally follows a series of successful NRM caucus gatherings in Kiboga and Mawokota, where MPs presented a united front. Mubende, however, tells a different story—one of fractured cooperation and internal mistrust. With the 2026 general elections on the horizon, the stakes are high.
“This is not just another rally, it’s a test of our unity and our relevance in Buganda,” a party insider commented.
Whether the NRM can mend internal divisions and reclaim the trust of a disillusioned electorate remains to be seen. Will this rally mark a turning point or further expose the party’s internal fractures? Only time will tell.