They appealed to top officials to lead by example by resolving their own disagreements, arguing that genuine unity must start from the top.
Leaders of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) in Mukono District are facing disciplinary action for supporting independent candidates and those not officially endorsed by the party, following internal divisions that continue to weaken the party’s influence in the area.
The decision comes after reports emerged that several NRM leaders had backed independents during recent elections, particularly those who contested after losing in the party primaries. The move has sparked concern within the ruling party’s structures and prompted an emergency meeting to chart a way forward.
The meeting, held at Mars Gardens in Mukono, brought together district and municipal NRM leaders, flag bearers, and mobilizers to discuss how the party could reclaim parliamentary and other elective seats in the district during the upcoming elections.
Speaking at the meeting, Mukono Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Hajjat Fatuma Ndisaba Nabitaka blamed most of the party’s setbacks on internal conflicts that originated from Mukono Municipality.
She cautioned that unless party members put aside their differences and work together, NRM risked suffering another defeat in the next general elections.
“Most of the confusion in past elections came from Mukono Municipality,” Ndisaba said. “If our leaders do not put their house in order, the same mistakes will cost us again. We have lost four consecutive terms here in Mukono because of our weakness and endless internal conflicts.”
Ndisaba, who once contested for the Mukono Municipality parliamentary seat in 2016 but lost to Hon. Bakireke Betty Nambooze, noted that after divisions emerged within the NRM camp, the party failed to secure key political positions in subsequent elections.
She urged leaders to abandon the practice of working individually and seeking personal credit, saying such tendencies had strengthened the opposition.
“Our opponents win because they are united. We must learn from them. Let us continue engaging every NRM flag bearer and remind voters of the good works done by our government,” she added.
Mr. Johnbosco Wamala, the NRM Chairperson for Mukono Municipality, said the meeting was convened to iron out misunderstandings among party leaders and to reawaken their commitment to the party’s values and objectives.
“The workshop aimed to remind flag bearers of their responsibilities and train them in effective campaign strategies,” Wamala said. “We are going to start by rebuilding our relationship with voters, which has been weakening. From there, we will move door-to-door across Mukono to mobilize support for President Museveni and our flag bearers.”
He emphasized that the main goal was to restore NRM’s dominance in Mukono District, a region that has recently become a stronghold for the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP), which swept most key leadership positions in the 2021 elections.
Mr. Hakim Kyeswa, the NRM spokesperson for Mukono District, revealed that the party’s Secretariat had issued a directive warning that any leader found supporting candidates without official NRM endorsement would face expulsion.
He added that those found misusing party property or resources for personal gain would be prosecuted.
“The Secretary General has been very clear—no one should use the party’s name or property to support independents. Anyone caught will be expelled and face legal action,” Kyeswa said.
During the meeting, District NRM Chairperson Hajji Haruna Ssemakula kept his remarks brief but expressed support for the disciplinary measures, saying they were necessary to restore order within the party.
Dr. Sarah Daisy Nabatanzi Ssonko~NRM Mukono Municipality MP aspirant while addressing the media after the meeting says that they have been facing so many challenges and confusion from the voters due to this minor internal conflicts they have been having, but this engagement she hopes that things will be moving well because they will working and moving as a team of NRM without malice.
Former Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIGP) Fred Yiga also addressed the gathering, urging party members to put an end to infighting and instead focus on unity and teamwork.
“We cannot achieve victory when we are divided. Let’s work as one team, support our flag bearers, and deliver victory for the NRM in Mukono,” Yiga said.
However, some members used the platform to express dissatisfaction with how senior party leaders handle internal disputes, saying the lack of fairness and transparency had discouraged loyal members.
They appealed to top officials to lead by example by resolving their own disagreements, arguing that genuine unity must start from the top.
As Mukono heads toward another election season, NRM leaders are now determined to rebuild the party’s image, strengthen grassroots structures, and regain the public’s trust — a task they acknowledge will require both humility and teamwork.
