Tensions have erupted within the NRM mobilisation activities in Sembabule after retired senior army officer Brig. Gen.(Rtd) Emmanuel Rwashande openly confronted former Foreign Affairs Minister Sam Kahamba Kutesa, accusing him of turning party meetings into “a political free-for-all.”
The confrontation happened after Jet John Tumwebazze, an independent candidate for the Mawogola North parliamentary seat, joined Kutesa’s ongoing campaign trail to mobilise support for President Museveni.
NRM loyalists, led by Rwashande, argued that independents should not participate in internal party activities.
“We cannot allow you to mix up NRM structures and turn them into a stew where anyone participates,”
Rwashande told Kutesa.
He insisted that NRM flag bearers must be central in the mobilisation since they are the ones expected to work with the president after elections.
The clash marks a dramatic shift from earlier in the week when Kutesa launched a district-wide effort to strengthen NRM support and push back against opposition presence in Sembabule.
The long-standing rivalry between NRM candidate Sodo Aine Kaguta and independent contender Jet John Tumwebazze resurfaced during the mobilisation drive.
Sodo’s supporters objected to Jet’s presence at NRM events, insisting the gatherings were strictly for party members.
“These are NRM functions, not independent gatherings. Let Jet go,” they shouted.
Jet’s camp, however, argued that political mobilisation should be open to all supporters of President Museveni regardless of party card status.
NRM flag bearer for Mawogola West, Hanifah Kawooya, backed Rwashande, questioning the logic of sidelining official party candidates while embracing independents.
“If the president wins, who will he work with if flag bearers are ignored?” she asked.
Attempting to diffuse the rising tensions, Kutesa urged both sides to put aside personal political battles and focus on delivering a decisive victory for President Museveni in Sembabule.
“Sodo, you have supporters I need for the president’s vote. Jet, you also have supporters I need. I am not involved in your parliamentary races; I am looking for votes for one person only—President Museveni,” he said.
He reminded candidates that he is not campaigning for parliamentary seats and advised each to handle their own contests independently.
Despite his plea, party insiders say deep divisions remain between NRM loyalists and independents who broke away during the primaries.