Kamuli district witnessed a surprising display of unity and political maturity as rivals nominated each other in the ongoing National Resistance Movement (NRM) grassroots elections. This unexpected collaboration contrasted sharply with the usual competitive spirit, signaling a focus on party unity and broader goals.
The elections, held on May 16th, 2025, saw First Deputy Prime Minister Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga easily securing her position as chairperson of the NRM Women’s League for Mbulamuti sub-county. While Kadaga’s victory was anticipated, the real surprise lay in the camaraderie exhibited by aspiring parliamentary and municipal candidates.
In the Bugabula South constituency, aspiring candidates Thomas Kategere and Matthew Bazanya, typically fierce competitors, shocked observers by nominating each other for key positions. Kategere nominated Bazanya as chairperson for Kitayunjwa sub-county mainstream, a position Bazanya secured unopposed. In a reciprocal move, Bazanya nominated Kategere for the post of secretary, allowing him to cruise through unchallenged as well.
This display of political harmony was explained by Kategere, who emphasized the importance of internal party unity. “We are all NRM and can’t afford internal differences,” he stated. “When either of us wins the flag, we shall all have to support him. The NRM has three ways of electing its leaders: by elections, consensus or by guidance of the party chairman. The NRM party guidelines do not warrant petitions.” This sentiment suggests a conscious effort to avoid divisive in-fighting and maintain a united front ahead of larger elections.
However, not all potential candidates embraced this spirit of collaboration. Rivals Maurice Kibalya and Asuman Kiyingi chose to abstain from the elections, suggesting a possible disconnect from this emerging trend of unity.
The spirit of cooperation extended to Kamuli municipality, where Baroda Watongola gracefully stepped aside to allow her rival, Mastula Namatovu, to secure the position of chairperson of the women’s league. This selfless act further solidified the narrative of unity taking precedence over individual ambition.
Sam Bamwole, the Kamuli district NRM chairperson, lauded the elections and their outcomes, shedding light on the underlying motivation behind this surprising unity. “We all have one common goal, which is to ensure Mama Kadaga retains the CEC post; otherwise, Busoga is dead in NRM,” he commented. This statement reveals a strategic focus on securing regional representation within the party’s Central Executive Committee, highlighting the belief that Kadaga’s continued presence in the CEC is vital for the Busoga sub-region’s interests within the NRM.
The events in Kamuli demonstrate a unique approach to grassroots elections, where rivalries are seemingly set aside in favor of party unity and strategic regional representation. While the motivations might be complex, the outcome is a compelling example of how political rivals can sometimes find common ground and work together towards a shared goal. The long-term impact of this unified approach remains to be seen, but it certainly sets a precedent for future NRM elections in Kamuli and perhaps beyond.
