Politics 12 August 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Ministerial Visit Exposes Deep NRM Divisions in Masaka
A government oversight tour in the Greater Masaka region aimed at assessing service delivery has instead brought simmering post-election rivalries within the ruling NRM party to the forefront, revealing significant internal strife. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/ministers-oversight-tour-reveals-divided-nrm-party-in-masaka-5555904
A recent inspection tour by the Minister of Local Government, Balaam Barugahara, and his deputy, Justine Nameere, in the Greater Masaka Sub-region inadvertently highlighted deep-seated divisions within the ruling NRM party. While the tour was intended to gauge the effectiveness of government programs and gather public feedback, a public meeting in Masaka City quickly devolved into a heated exchange.
The conflict erupted between Masaka City NRM Chairperson Rogers Buregeya and Deputy Minister Nameere, compounded by accusations from a local businesswoman, Cissy Nanyange, claiming over Shs150 million was owed for coffee seedlings supplied during Nameere’s election campaign. This allegation overshadowed the intended purpose of the baraza, turning it into a public confrontation.
Political analysts suggest these disputes are rooted in unresolved primary election conflicts and the emergence of factions following the January general elections. Concerns have also been raised about the rapid integration of former opposition members into key party roles, potentially before their loyalty is fully tested. The lack of senior, experienced NRM figures in Masaka to mediate these disputes further complicates the situation, as younger leaders may lack the capacity to resolve such conflicts.
While some NRM supporters backed Buregeya’s grassroots connection, others defended Nameere, alleging a smear campaign by political rivals. The payment dispute was reportedly resolved swiftly through intervention from the State House Comptroller, though the underlying political tensions persist. Further issues arose in Rakai District, where residents accused former minister Vincent Ssempijja of attempting to evict hundreds of households.
Minister Barugahara urged calm and dialogue, emphasizing the need to focus on service delivery. Despite these interventions, the events underscore the significant challenge the NRM faces in consolidating its recent electoral gains in Masaka, a region historically dominated by the opposition, by managing its internal rivalries. The NRM has made progress in the area, winning a notable number of local and parliamentary seats in the last election, but internal cohesion remains a critical hurdle for future success.