NRM candidate Mohammad Kasirye Ssendagire pleads with Kampala voters while revealing internal party resistance.
With just one day remaining before the National Resistance Movement (NRM) primary to select its flag bearer for Kampala Lord Mayor, candidate Mohammad Kasirye Ssendagire has delivered an impassioned plea to city voters while revealing intense internal party resistance he claims has hampered his efforts for years.
Addressing journalists today at the NRM Electoral Commission headquarters, Ssendagire painted a picture of a dedicated mobilizer who has "struggled from day one" to solidify the ruling party's base in the often politically challenging capital city.Â
He asserted his commitment to rebuilding NRM support in Kampala, a traditional opposition stronghold, since joining active politics within the party and government structure.
However, Ssendagire's narrative was underscored by significant frustration. He openly accused "some of them, mostly NRM big bosses," of actively working against him. Their motive, he claimed, is to prevent him from being recognized as the party's most effective mobilizer in Kampala before President Yoweri Museveni, who is also the NRM National Chairman.Â
This internal opposition, he suggested, has been a persistent obstacle to his work aimed at convincing opposition supporters to switch allegiance back to the NRM.
Standing on the precipice of tomorrow's critical primary election (July 24, 2025), Ssendagire shifted his focus directly to the NRM voters of Kampala. He framed the contest as a pivotal moment for the party's future in the city. "He is calling all people in Kampala, especially NRM supporters, to elect him tomorrow," the report stated, emphasizing his desire to secure the official party flag for the Lord Mayor race.
Kasirye leveraged his presentation of past struggles as evidence of his resilience and dedication.Â
By showcasing his "struggling moments" since entering NRM politics, he aimed to position himself as a battle-tested candidate who understands the intricacies of Kampala's political landscape and has persevered despite internal resistance.
The NRM primary for Kampala Lord Mayor is a high-stakes affair. Winning the party ticket is crucial for any candidate hoping to mount a serious challenge in the general election for the influential city leadership position.
 Ssendagire's candidacy is now marked not only by his mobilization claims but also by his very public airing of grievances regarding factional opposition within the ruling party's own ranks.
His performance tomorrow will be a direct test of whether his appeal to the grassroots NRM membership in Kampala can overcome the alleged resistance from powerful figures within the party structure.Â
The outcome will determine if Mohammad Kasirye Ssendagire gets the chance to carry the NRM banner in the battle for City Hall.
