Veteran members of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) in Kayunga District have raised concerns over what they describe as growing internal divisions within the ruling party, warning that failure to address the challenges could weaken its long-standing support base in the area.
The concerns were raised by several NRM historicals, including Muhammad Kiviiri and retired Lt. Esperito Tude, who accused some current party leaders of promoting personal interests and indiscipline, which they say is affecting unity within the party.
The veterans argued that the introduction of registration fees and financial incentives linked to some party positions has attracted individuals motivated by personal gain rather than commitment to the party’s founding principles.
"In the early days of NRM, leadership was about sacrifice, commitment and mobilising people voluntarily. We never fought for positions because there was no money attached to them. Today, many people are joining simply because they see opportunities for personal benefit," Muhammad Kiviiri said.
The historicals recalled that during the early years of the NRM, the party enjoyed overwhelming support in Kayunga, often securing more than 90 percent of votes in elections and attracting members from opposition groups through grassroots mobilisation and ideological conviction.
Retired Lt. Esperito Tude said the political environment has since changed, with internal disagreements increasingly affecting the party’s structures at the local level.
"NRM was once the darling of the people in Kayunga. We mobilised communities peacefully and united everyone behind a common vision. Today, every position is contested bitterly, and divisions are becoming the order of the day," Tude said.
The veterans warned that opposition parties, particularly the National Unity Platform (NUP), have benefited from growing dissatisfaction among some NRM supporters and have increased their influence in several political positions within the district.
Another party elder, Sendiise, cautioned that political organisations often decline gradually if internal concerns are ignored.
"Political parties do not die in one day. They shrink gradually until they become irrelevant. If the top leadership ignores these warning signs, NRM could eventually cease to exist politically in Kayunga. The support we once enjoyed is no longer guaranteed," Sendiise warned.
The concerns come amid controversy surrounding the recent endorsement of Augustine Tumwine, a brother to the late former Kayunga NRM Chairman Moses Karangwa Kaliisa, as the district NRM chairman.
Some party members have questioned the process through which Tumwine was endorsed, arguing that it did not follow established party procedures. The disagreement has further highlighted tensions within the district party structures.
"The leadership must restore discipline, transparency and respect for party procedures. If people feel excluded or unfairly treated, they will simply abandon the party," another party elder said.
The veterans have called on the NRM national leadership to intervene and help resolve the disagreements, while urging party members in Kayunga to remain calm and united.
They warned that addressing internal challenges early will be critical in maintaining party cohesion and strengthening its grassroots support ahead of future elections.