The dispute has sparked internal disagreements among NRM diaspora supporters in South Africa, with a group led by Philip Kakuru reportedly organizing a celebration for President Museveni’s victory scheduled for March 27–28 in Cape Town, outside the official party structures.
In a letter signed by Isma Luzige, the NRM chairperson for the South Africa chapter, the group opposed the planned celebrations, warning that the arrangements could divide party members in the diaspora.
“Traditionally, such celebrations are organized in alignment with the official NRM Secretariat program, including the NRM swearing-in ceremony scheduled in May in accordance with the agreed NRMSAC program which we intend to implement,” the letter reads in part.
Luzige further alleged that Kakuru had registered a parallel entity known as NRMO branch with the intention of undermining the existing party leadership under the officially recognized NRM South Africa Chapter (NRMSAC).
He also accused Kakuru of impersonating the official NRM chapter on various social media platforms, thereby misleading members and the public.
The petition, which was also addressed to NRM Vice Chairperson Moses Kigongo and NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong, claims that Kakuru has been involved in activities that promote division among members, including sectarianism and tribalism, which they say goes against the core values of the NRM and undermines party unity.
The petitioners also raised concerns about attempts by Kakuru to form a SACCO without consultation or approval from recognized NRM chapter members in South Africa.
“No official meeting has been convened to discuss or approve such an initiative, which further demonstrates unilateral actions aimed at destabilizing already established party structures within the diaspora,” the letter states.
The NRM South Africa chapter warned that the ongoing actions risk creating confusion among members and damaging the party’s image and credibility both in South Africa and internationally.
The group is now calling for immediate action to be taken against Kakuru and his associates to restore unity within the diaspora chapter.