NRM factions reconcile ahead of Kikuube LC5 by-election
NRM flag bearer Paddy Kisembo welcomed the development, saying the reconciliation had strengthened the party's campaign and would boost his chances of victory.
By George Niyonzima
Supporters of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) in Kikuube District who had been divided following a controversial party flag bearer selection process have reconciled ahead of the June 18 LC5 chairperson by-election.
More than 50 supporters of Phillip Mbabazi, who won the NRM party primaries but was later dropped after failing to meet Electoral Commission nomination requirements, have crossed over to support the party’s official flag bearer, Paddy Kisembo.
The reconciliation followed a meeting convened by senior NRM leaders, including the party’s Director of Mobilisation, Dr. Rosemary Sseninde, NRM Electoral Commissioner Jane Alisemera Babiiha, State Minister for Bunyoro Affairs Grace Mary Mugasa, and Kikuube District NRM Chairperson Francis Kazini.
The disgruntled supporters, led by Emmanuel Bisemeza, the NRM chairperson for Kyangwali Sub-county, and Musa Mugisa from Buhimba Town Council, said they had initially been frustrated by the circumstances under which the party flag was handed to Kisembo despite Mbabazi’s victory in the primaries.
However, they said they had resolved to put aside their grievances and rally behind the party candidate for the sake of unity and victory in the upcoming election.
“We were dissatisfied with how the party flag was eventually awarded, but after consultations, we have decided to support the official flag bearer and work for the success of the NRM,” the leaders said.
Speaking during the reconciliation meeting, Dr. Sseninde welcomed the return of the supporters and urged them to intensify mobilization efforts ahead of polling day.
She called on NRM members and supporters across the district to turn up in large numbers and vote for the party candidate on June 18.
Minister Mugasa also applauded the reconciliation efforts and urged residents to remain focused on issues affecting Kikuube District.
She cautioned individuals who are not residents of the district against interfering in local political affairs.
NRM flag bearer Paddy Kisembo welcomed the development, saying the reconciliation had strengthened the party’s campaign and would boost his chances of victory.
“I thank the party leaders who spearheaded this reconciliation. Bringing everyone together gives us more strength as we head into the election,” Kisembo said.
Kikuube District voters will head to the polls on Thursday, June 18, 2026, to elect a new LC5 chairperson. The race is expected to be closely contested between NRM’s Paddy Kisembo and Fenekansi Timanyire of the National Unity Platform (NUP).
The by-election has attracted significant political attention in the district, with both major parties intensifying campaigns in the final days before voting.
