Africa-Press – Uganda. State Minister for Defence and Veterans Affairs, Bright Kanyontore Rwamirama, has proclaimed that opposition parties such as the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) and the National Unity Platform (NUP) will find no foothold in Isingiro District in the 2026 general elections.
Speaking during the National Resistance Movement (NRM) internal elections held at the district headquarters, Rwamirama declared the area a political stronghold of the ruling party.
The declaration came as the NRM conducted its grassroots elections to select leaders for various party structures, including youth, workers, women, elders, and mainstream leadership.
Among the closely watched contests was the race for district NRM chairperson, which saw retired Lieutenant Moses Mushabe win through the party’s controversial lining-up voting method.
His rival, Danson Mujuni, withdrew from the race mid-process, citing a lack of visible support.
“The reasons as to why he ran away is because he saw the people standing behind me were so many and he decided to run without saying bye,” said Mushabe after his victory.
“I thank all the delegates and I believe I am going to work with them. President Museveni will get 99% of the vote in Isingiro District.”
However, not all party members left satisfied. King James Nkyizamagara, a delegate, voiced concerns about irregularities in the nomination process, alleging that some eligible candidates were unfairly blocked from participating.
He criticised party officials for using what he called an “expired register” that did not reflect recent NRM membership renewals and fee payments.
“Whatever you have seen today during this NRM structure election is very unfair. Imagine, entrepreneurs have failed to produce a register.
They are using an expired register. People who paid and subscribed—they have certificates—they are eligible voters. We paid this money to the NRM account but they have failed to nominate us,” King James lamented.
Minister Rwamirama, however, remained focused on consolidating support for the NRM, warning voters against choosing opposition candidates whom he accused of disorderly conduct and self-interest.
“I shouldn’t see any vote for NUP or FDC. We are now going to vote. Vote only those who will serve. Look for leaders who are not angry for money. When looking for MPs, don’t look for those who are chaotic,” he said.
The internal party polls in Isingiro are part of a wider mobilisation effort by the NRM as it seeks to retain dominance in rural Uganda.
With 2026 on the horizon, Rwamirama’s hardline stance sets the tone for a campaign expected to prioritise loyalty, structure, and an unyielding grip on the electorate.
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