GIDEON TUMWIJUKYE
The National Resistance Movement (NRM) in Kabale insists on using Kabale Municipal Stadium on 26th January 2025 for the 39th NRM Liberation Day, despite a dispute between Kabale Football Association and the Kabale District NRM Youth League.
According to a letter dated 8th January 2025, Kabale Municipal Town Clerk Kassajja Jamiilu Kaiiru stated that the stadium had been requested by the Kabale Football Association on 16th December 2024 and was cleared by the municipal council for use on the same date. The letter further explained that the Kabale District NRM Youth League also approached the same office requesting to use the stadium, but their request was denied as the stadium was already booked.
The letter advised the NRM Youth League to find an alternative venue for their function since the stadium was unavailable.
However, during a meeting held today at the Kabale NRM offices in Central Division, Kabale Municipality, attended by NRM committee members, NRM sub-county chairpersons, and a section of NRM district councilors, it was unanimously decided that the stadium must be used due to its historical significance. The stadium is home to a monument commemorating three Front for National Salvation (FRONASA) members—Joseph Bitwari, James Karambuzi, and David Kangire—who were executed during the struggle to liberate the country. All three hailed from greater Kabale.
Key figures at the meeting, including Kabale District NRM Vice Chairperson Paulin Bigirwa, NRM Central Division Chairperson Matsiko Robert Runyasi, Presidential Adviser on Kigezi Affairs George William Kanagizi, NRM Youth Chairperson Sheikh Kassim Kamugisha, and Kabale Municipality NRM flag bearer Norah Twenda, pledged to mobilize the masses for a colorful celebration.
When contacted, the Permanent Secretary for Local Government, Ben Kumumanya, stated over the phone that no one could stop NRM celebrations on Liberation Day. He emphasized that the NRM takes precedence and others can reschedule their activities.
Kumumanya further clarified that only federation games could prevent the NRM from using the stadium and assured that he would advise the town clerk accordingly.
The national celebrations for the 39th NRM Liberation Day will be held in Mubende District.
