NELSON K
The Rukungiri Woman Member of Parliament and incumbent, Hon. Medius Kaharata, has openly rejected calls for reconciliation within the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) and announced that she will contest as an independent candidate in the forthcoming 2026 general elections.
Hon. Kaharaata made the declaration during a reconciliation meeting held on Monday, organized by the Rukungiri District NRM Chairperson, Maj. Gen. Jim Muhwezi Katugugu. The meeting aimed to reconcile NRM flag bearers with candidates who lost in the recently concluded party primaries.
Despite President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s message encouraging unity and harmony among NRM members, Kaharaata firmly stated that she would not withdraw her independent bid. She said that although she continues to support President Museveni as the NRM national chairperson, her decision to contest as an independent remains final.
The incumbent MP lost the NRM primaries to Hon. Mary Paula Turyahikayo Kebirungi, who garnered over ten thousand votes more than her. However, Kaharaata urged other NRM members who lost in the primaries not to be intimidated or influenced to abandon their political ambitions, stressing that reconciliation “comes from the bottom of the heart” and cannot be forced.
“Since the Constitution allows me to run as an independent candidate, I’m exercising my right. I believe reconciliation is a good idea, but I am not ready for it now,” Kaharaata said, announcing that she will be officially nominated as an independent candidate on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at 2:00 p.m.
In response, NRM flag bearer Hon. Mary Paula Turyahikayo Kebirungi told journalists that she remains confident and committed to peaceful competition. She acknowledged her victory in the primaries and said she respects Kaharata’s decision to contest independently, adding that voters will ultimately decide.
“Let her come. The people of Rukungiri will make their choice,” Turyahikayo said. She, however, noted that the reconciliation process was delayed and unfortunately did not achieve its intended outcome.
The reconciliation meeting ended abruptly after tensions and misunderstandings arose among several NRM candidates who lost in the primaries. The district chairperson, Maj. Gen. Muhwezi, postponed the meeting to Tuesday morning at 10:00 a.m. at Rukungiri Inn Hotel, where a smaller team comprising LC5 and parliamentary flag bearers, along with selected former candidates, is expected to continue the discussions.
