Bob Rumanzi
The much-anticipated National Nurses and Midwives event held in Rukungiri district has become a focal point of political discussion after it failed to attract significant attendance. This event, initially expected to draw thousands from across the district and the Kigezi region, saw a low turnout, attributed to deep-seated political divisions and leadership issues within the district.
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni was slated to grace the event as the Guest of Honor but delegated Vice President Jessica Alupo to represent him due to an official visit to Kenya. The absence of the President left many attendees, particularly nurses who had traveled from other districts, disappointed and speculating about the reasons behind his no-show.
Participants and analysts have pointed to ongoing political strife within the district as a primary factor affecting the turnout. Rukungiri has been plagued by internal conflicts among top NRM (National Resistance Movement) officials, creating a fractured political landscape. This division has reportedly hindered effective mobilization efforts, critical for the success of such large-scale events.
The district’s NRM leadership, under the spotlight, faces criticism for failing to unite the local populace. Many NRM cadres and analysts believe that the discord among local leaders, coupled with recent political events, has eroded public trust and enthusiasm. The suspension of the Boona Bageigahare consultation meeting and the contentious statehouse visit by factions aligned with Minister Jim Muhwezi and Mrs. Peace Rugambwa are cited as recent examples of the district’s political turbulence.
The event’s organizing secretary, Mr. Twekwasa Alex, defended the efforts of the nurses, asserting that the onus of mobilization lay with the political leaders who fell short in their duties.
Security Minister Jim Muhwezi, also the district NRM chairperson, acknowledged the issue, attributing the poor turnout to the lack of invitations to other stakeholders but claimed that the event was streamed live on local radio stations, which was not accurate.
Confidential sources revealed that preparatory meetings were marred by disputes over contract awards, with allegations of favoritism further straining relations between the district officials and event organizers. The absence of key figures, such as the LC1 chairperson of the host village and the district health officer’s failure to speak at the event, underscored the lack of coordination and support from local authorities.
This event’s underwhelming attendance has sparked a broader debate about the political health of Rukungiri district. Stakeholders are calling for urgent intervention from the top NRM leadership to address the rifts and restore unity. There is growing concern that without decisive action, these political wounds could significantly impact the NRM’s performance in the forthcoming 2026 general elections.
As the district grapples with these issues, the voices of nurses and midwives remain clear: political leaders must step up to mend divisions and work collaboratively to ensure future events succeed in mobilizing and uniting the community.
Join the Conversation: What steps should the NRM leadership take to heal the political divisions in Rukungiri? Share your thoughts and suggestions.
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