State Minister of Finance and Rubanda District NRM Chairperson, Henry Musasizi, has issued a stern warning to religious leaders in the region, accusing them of meddling in local politics ahead of the upcoming National Resistance Movement (NRM) primary elections.
Speaking in Kashaki Village, Nyamiyaga Ward, Bubare Town Council, Minister Musasizi cautioned that the ruling party would not tolerate sectarianism and religious interference in the electoral process.
His remarks came in response to growing tension in Rubanda District after religious figures, notably Bishop Gaddie Akanjuna of the Church of Uganda, openly endorsed Musasizi’s rival, Jogo Kenneth Biryabarema.
“You’ve entered the game we know perfectly well. You’ll be heavily defeated,” Musasizi declared, accusing some clergy of actively campaigning for his opponent.
“The NRM will not allow sectarian sentiments to undermine our internal democratic processes,” he added.
On June 15, 2025, during a confirmation service at Nyamweru Church of Uganda Parish in Nyamweru Sub-county, Bishop Akanjuna publicly rallied support for Jogo Biryabarema, describing him as the right candidate to lobby for critical services like improved roads and education.
The bishop also called on Christians to “vote wisely” in the NRM primaries slated for July 16.
Musasizi, who has represented Rubanda East in Parliament since 2011, is now seeking re-election in the 2026 general polls.
He faces a growing challenge from Biryabarema, the former Rubanda District Chairperson, whose campaign has gained traction, particularly among religious and youth groups.
The clash between Musasizi and the clergy reflects broader political tensions in the Kigezi sub-region, where religion and ethnicity have increasingly influenced political alignments.
The minister’s remarks signal the NRM’s growing unease over the perceived politicisation of the pulpit.
“Our goal is a democratic, peaceful election,” Musasizi stressed. “But we cannot sit back when religious leaders openly sow division and campaign from the altar.”
As the NRM primaries draw closer, the spotlight remains on Rubanda East, where the battle lines are sharpening between the incumbent minister and a challenger backed by sections of the clergy.
Whether Musasizi’s tough rhetoric will neutralise the growing influence of religious figures in the political field remains to be seen.
