VANESSA A
Senior Presidential Advisor on Agriculture and Local Communities, Madam Peace Rugambwa, has urged NRM flag bearers at all levels in Rukungiri District to work in unity and peace ahead of the 2026 General Elections.
She made the remarks on Tuesday during an exclusive meeting with NRM flag bearers from Rukungiri District held at New Palm Hotel.
Madam Rugambwa said the purpose of the meeting was to find solutions on how the party can win the upcoming elections in January 2026. She thanked the NRM fraternity for working together to welcome H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni during his visit to Rukungiri on 26th November 2025, saying the unity displayed sent a strong and positive message.
She, however, expressed concern over internal fights within the NRM party in Rukungiri District, noting that such divisions weaken the party. Madam Rugambwa emphasized that voting for NRM leaders at all levels would strengthen the party’s ability to lobby for government services and development projects for the district.
Rukungiri District Woman Member of Parliament NRM flag bearer, Hon. Mary Paula Turyahikayo Kebirungyi, thanked Madam Peace Rugambwa for convening the meeting, describing it as an opportunity for self-evaluation during the campaign period.
She also thanked H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for appointing Madam Rugambwa, noting that she has played a key role in uniting the NRM party in Rukungiri District.
Hon. Paula further commended Madam Rugambwa for the services she continues to deliver to the people of Rukungiri even during the campaign period, saying this is what the community needs. She pledged her readiness to work closely with her to ensure that people access services as required.
She called upon fellow NRM flag bearers to support one another, reminding them that besides competing among themselves, they are also facing opposition candidates and therefore need collective strength.
Rukungiri District LC5 Chairperson and NRM flag bearer, Andrewson Charles Katebire, together with the NRM flag bearer for Rubabo County, Hon. Mathias Rwabugumi, thanked Madam Peace Rugambwa for her continued neutrality.
They noted that Rukungiri District was previously known for political kingmakers, but through her efforts and meetings, she has helped bring party members together as one family.
Hon. Katebire further acknowledged that NRM flag bearers need more financial support during this campaign period, noting that many candidates feel abandoned and neglected. He warned that this situation forces some members to contest as independents, starting from LC1 level, which weakens party mobilization.
However, some NRM flag bearers expressed frustration over reports that independent candidates and opposition leaders are distributing NRM posters and T-shirts to voters, while official NRM candidates have not received even a single poster to support mobilization. They said the lack of campaign logistics is weakening the party at grassroots level.
They also highlighted that long-standing wrangles among top leaders in Rukungiri District have hindered development, citing poor roads, inadequate schools, and insufficient health centers. They noted that resolving leadership conflicts would help fast-track service delivery and development in the district.
