Politics 23 March 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
NRM MPs-Elect Boycott Kasese Victory Thanksgiving, Sparking Supporter Worries
Newly elected NRM MPs from Kasese and surrounding areas largely skipped a thanksgiving event organized to celebrate the party's historic sweep in the district, leaving supporters disappointed. Only one MP-elect and a few local leaders showed up despite invitations to over 30 lawmakers. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/nrm-mps-elect-skip-kasese-thanksgiving-raising-concern-among-supporters-5400250
Members of Parliament-elect from Uganda’s ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) in the Rwenzori sub-region failed to attend a thanksgiving ceremony held in Kasese District on Saturday. The event at Boma Grounds in Kasese Municipality was arranged by the New Changed Youth group and NRM structures in Toro and Rwenzori to mark the party’s dominance in the January 2026 elections.
Kasese, once an opposition bastion, saw NRM claim all six parliamentary seats, the district chairperson position, and most council roles—a stark contrast to the 2021 split with the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC). Despite this triumph, over 30 invited MPs-elect stayed away, including all six from Kasese: Crispus Kiyonga (Bukonzo West), Julius Bwambale Rude (Bukonzo East), Ferigo Kambale (Kasese Municipality), David Isimbwa Mulindwa (Busongora South), Sowedi Kitanywa (Busongora North), and Sarah Ithungu Baleke (Woman MP).
NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong was slated as the chief presiding officer but did not appear. Other no-shows included district chairperson James Mbahimba, several Resident District Commissioners, presidential advisors, and retired Bishop Zebedee Kahangwa Masereka. Only Vincent Freedom Kaheru, MP-elect for Kyaka North in Kyegegwa District, attended among the MPs, joined by a few local figures.
Moses Bwambale, New Changed Youth chairperson for Rwenzori, highlighted the youth’s pivotal role in the wins and called on leaders to collaborate. ‘This is a milestone in Kasese’s political history. Youth contributions must be recognized, and we’ll hold underperformers accountable,’ he stated.
District NRM vice chairperson Boaz Kafuda noted the party’s awareness of the event but offered no reasons for the absences. He stressed delivering services after securing 65 of 78 council seats. Sub-county chairperson Emmanuel Masereka pointed to inadequate mobilization as a factor.
Kaheru, as chief guest, urged party unity. ‘Reconciliation among NRM structures is key to development and sustaining voter trust,’ he said.
Attempts to reach absent MPs for comment were unsuccessful.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)