In a show of growing regional support, National Resistance Movement (NRM) leaders from Mityana and Kassanda districts have formally endorsed State Minister for Microfinance, Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo, for the position of NRM Vice Chairperson for Buganda Region ahead of the party’s internal elections.
The endorsement was announced during a high-level meeting held in Mityana Town, attended by district chairpersons, councillors, sub-county NRM mobilisers, and opinion leaders.
The leaders expressed confidence in Kasolo’s ability to revitalise the party in Buganda, a region where NRM suffered significant losses in the 2021 general elections.
In their collective resolution, the leaders cited Kasolo’s strong mobilisation track record, his accessibility to grassroots supporters, and his unwavering loyalty to the party as the key reasons for their endorsement.
They noted that Buganda requires a unifying and hands-on leader who can bridge the gap between the party leadership and ordinary voters.
“We believe Hon. Kasolo has what it takes to steer the NRM back to its winning ways in Buganda, Said Hajji Kibirige Harunah Nziza the NRM PRO Mityana Disitrict."He listens to local leaders, understands the challenges on the ground, and has the energy and commitment to lead from the front.”
Accepting the endorsement, Minister Haruna Kasolo thanked the leaders for their trust and pledged to work closely with elected officials and community structures to reclaim the NRM’s lost political ground in Buganda.
“What we lost in 2021 can be regained—if we put in the work,” Kasolo told the gathering. “My mission is simple: to reconnect the party with the people. I will work with every elected leader and mobiliser, regardless of their level, to ensure we rebuild from the village to the region.”
Kasolo also called for unity and an end to internal divisions, which he said had contributed to the party’s poor performance in the last election cycle.
“The NRM can no longer afford factions and infighting. We must walk as one, campaign as one, and win as one. My leadership will focus on healing these rifts and building a strong, cohesive front,” he added.
Kasolo outlined a strategic plan that includes,Strengthening village-level mobilisation units,Enhancing communication between the party and the public,Rebuilding trust among communities that feel neglected and Prioritising service delivery through cooperation with government agencies.
He said his position as Minister for Microfinance would also be used to empower youth and women groups economically, which would directly improve the party’s image in rural and peri-urban communities.
“People vote where they see impact,if we bring services closer to them, if we empower them economically, they will trust NRM again.”Kasolo noted.
The NRM suffered a major blow in the 2021 general elections, particularly in Buganda, where opposition parties especially the National Unity Platform (NUP) dominated both parliamentary and local government races. In districts like Kampala, Wakiso, Mityana, and Masaka, the ruling party lost seats it had held for years.
Political analysts attributed the shift to disconnection between party structures and the electorate, internal wrangles, and failure to deliver on key services.
Kasolo’s candidacy, observers say, represents an opportunity for the NRM to reset its approach to Buganda by prioritising grassroots leadership, clear communication, and inclusive decision-making.
Following the endorsement, the leaders resolved to mobilise support for Kasolo across other Buganda districts, ahead of the internal party elections scheduled later this year. .
As the NRM prepares for the 2026 general elections, Kasolo’s campaign for the Vice Chairmanship is shaping up as a central pillar in the party’s strategy to reclaim dominance in Uganda’s central region.