Masindi District Chairman Cosmas Byaruhanga has said he is the only candidate capable of defeating incumbent FDC legislator Joab Businge in Masindi Municipality, arguing that the NRM flag bearer Rogers Byamukama is too weak to secure the seat.
Speaking in an exclusive interview, Byaruhanga said he decided to contest as an independent after being approached by elders and opinion leaders who believed the ruling party risked losing the constituency if it relied on Byamukama.
“I was called by elders to come and stand in Masindi Municipality,” he said. “They told me that the NRM flag bearer is weak and cannot defeat Joab Businge. I had no choice but to respond to the people’s call.”
Byaruhanga, who lost the NRM primaries in Bujenje County earlier this year, said he initially backed off from Masindi Municipality after rumours spread that Youth Minister Balaam Barugahara would contest there.
He claimed he had already built his campaign structures in the Municipality before switching to Bujenje to avoid clashing with the minister.
“When I heard Minister Balaam was coming, I stepped aside and gave him my structures,” he said. “But when I later learned he wasn’t contesting, I had already moved to Bujenje. Now I’m back where I belong.”
He accused Byamukama of being disconnected from voters and failing to mobilize grassroots support.
“Why should we support a weak candidate who cannot deliver on the NRM manifesto?” Byaruhanga asked. “It’s better to have me as an independent but NRM-leaning. I am confident that I can deliver victory and serve under the party once elected.”
However, the NRM flag bearer Rogers Byamukama dismissed Byaruhanga’s remarks, insisting he remains the legitimate party choice and the most organized candidate in the race.
“I am fully grounded and in touch with voters,” he said. “We cannot afford another opposition MP in Masindi Municipality. The people are ready to vote for the NRM.”
Incumbent FDC MP Joab Businge said the renewed NRM divisions only strengthen his re-election chances.
“Masindi voters no longer vote for parties; they vote for performance,” he said.
“I have delivered projects like the market, hospital rehabilitation, and town lighting. The people will judge based on results, not party colour.”
Political analyst Stephen Kabindi warned that Byaruhanga’s entry could split the NRM vote, just as in 2021, when internal divisions helped the opposition win. “If Byaruhanga and Byamukama fail to reconcile, they will divide NRM supporters again — and Businge will benefit,” Kabindi said.
Byaruhanga, however, remains confident that his popularity and record as district chairman give him the upper hand.
“The people of Masindi know my capacity,” he said. “This is my home, and I am ready to deliver effective representation.”