the Deputy Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Mubende, Abubaker Birungi, has urged residents to rally behind President Yoweri Museveni in the 2026 general elections, warning against transferring frustrations from the recent NRM primaries onto the head of state.
Speaking at a community gathering, Birungi acknowledged the widespread discontent over the way the party primaries were conducted but maintained that President Museveni was not to blame for the irregularities.
“I want to request you to continue supporting President Museveni in the coming general elections,” Birungi said. “As the Office of the President, we are aware of all the grievances, and we shall handle them.”
He noted that several sub-county election officers had come under scrutiny for allegedly mishandling the process, and should be held accountable.
“I know you have grievances, but let’s all agree that those sub-county registrars are your sons and daughters. Yet you find people blaming the President for everything that happened during the party primaries. Let us stop blaming him,” Birungi added.
The RDC also directed his appeal at civil servants, urging them to remain loyal to the President despite any personal dissatisfaction.
“Government workers, I am reminding you not to vote against the President because of a few personal differences. Let’s not abandon him,” he said.
Birungi extended the same message to security personnel, cautioning that even within the ranks of the armed forces, support for the President should not be taken for granted.
“I want to also remind our armed forces to vote wisely. We often assume they are all behind President Museveni, but in reality, you find some ballots marked for the opposition.”
During the same event, Birungi faced public criticism from Happy Cleophas, the District Councillor for Lumbiri Sub-county, who challenged him over the handling of the LCV elections.
Cleophas claimed that candidate Kissanja had won the contest overwhelmingly, yet the returning officer declared Michael Ntambi the winner.
“Mr. RDC, it’s not good to interrupt someone’s speech,” Cleophas said. “People are not happy with the results of the LCV race. Please ensure that Mr. Kissanja secures his rightful victory.”
The NRM primaries in Mubende were marred by reports of irregularities, with at least five petitions submitted to the party’s tribunal challenging the declared results.
The fallout has stoked tensions in the district, with calls for internal reforms and greater transparency in party processes.