“No One the NRM Can’t Overcome in Elections” AG Kiryowa Declares

At a recent meeting held at Hotel Africana, top leaders of the ruling NRM party in Buganda attempted to persuade primary election losers to step down and support the party’s official flag bearers. The session, however, turned tense when AG Kiwanuka Kiryowa, patron of the ‘Buganda on Museveni’ campaign initiative, faced a direct challenge from lawyer David Kintu. Kintu refused to bow out unless his claimed Shs300 million investment in the race against winner Fred Ruhindi was refunded.

Kintu, a member of the self-styled Caucus for Independents, vowed to remain in the race until the very end. He accused the flag bearers of rigging the elections and criticized others, including Faridah Nakalawa, who had withdrawn in favor of official candidates, calling her actions a betrayal of independent candidates.

He also condemned over 80 other primary losers who had withdrawn at the Africana meeting, describing them as “unserious” for stepping aside after enjoying refreshments or promises of meetings with the President. Kintu demanded that NRM organizers show greater respect to candidates he felt were unfairly treated.

The confrontation sparked visible tension in the room. Some attendees who had initially stepped down began reconsidering their decisions in light of Kintu’s defiance. Kiryowa, who had spent much of the day urging support for flag bearers, found himself directly challenged by Kintu’s refusal to comply.

During the session, outgoing Buganda NRM Chairman Godfrey Kiwanda presented statistics from the 2021 elections, highlighting constituencies lost to NUP due to vote splitting among multiple NRM candidates. Areas cited included Lugazi and Njeru Municipalities, Bbale and Ntenjeru Counties, Nakifuuma County, Kalungu East, and Kasanda South.

Kiryowa used these statistics to stress the importance of unity, arguing that no individual should consider themselves bigger than the party. He contended that the NRM lost several seats in 2021 because independent candidates split votes, making a strong case for rallying behind the official flag bearers.

Responding to Kintu’s bold stance, Kiryowa emphasized that the meeting was just one strategy among many for ensuring party cohesion. He declared firmly, “There is no one the ruling NRM party can’t stop or overcome when it comes to winning elections in this country.”

He added that he would not yield to what he described as blackmail or extortion. Kiryowa noted that his work to support flag bearers was voluntary and rooted in loyalty to President Yoweri Museveni, rather than personal gain.

Despite Kintu’s resistance, several would-be independents eventually pledged to step down and back NRM candidates. This group included Dr. Thadeus Musoke, Joy Kabatsi, Elijah Owobusobozi, and Fatia Nakamya, among others. Some attached conditions, such as private meetings with the President, to discuss perceived injustices.

The meeting also featured tense moments in constituencies like Mukono North and Kalungu Woman MP, where some independents were uneasy under pressure from party officials. Nevertheless, Kiryowa’s firm stance, insistence on respect, and unwavering loyalty to the party underscored the NRM’s continued dominance and influence in Buganda politics.For Adverts Call Or WhatsApp 0786061190

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