Africa-Press – Uganda. The First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Mrs Janet Kataha Museveni, has criticised acts of dishonesty and disunity that marred the recent National Resistance Movement (NRM) primary elections, warning that such behaviour undermines the party’s democratic principles and cohesion.
Mrs Museveni made the remarks while presiding over the long-delayed re-election of the NRM Secretary for Finance in Ntungamo District—a process that had been stalled for more than two months due to chaos, violence, and mistrust between rival camps.
The election had twice failed to take place, even under the supervision of NRM Electoral Commission Chairperson Tanga Odoi, despite tight security.
Disputes centred on two contestants, Asuman Kigongo and Sebastian Bitariho, whose supporters clashed repeatedly.
Following consultations with the NRM legal team and to meet the party’s 40% women representation target, the contestants were replaced with female candidates—a move party leaders said was meant to break the cycle of conflict and restore harmony.
Addressing party members, Mrs Museveni expressed disappointment over the political wrangles that had tarnished the image of Ntungamo politics and the NRM at large.
She criticised those involved in the process for abandoning truthfulness and unity, warning that political disagreements should never be allowed to divide communities.
“It’s such a shame because you destroyed something that would have been so simple and so good, because people refused to be honest,” the First Lady said.
Odoi also called for reconciliation among candidates and their supporters, emphasising the importance of women’s empowerment in leadership.
He reiterated the party’s commitment to ensuring that at least 50% of district party leadership positions are held by women.
Ntungamo District Chairperson Samuel Muchunguzi Rwakigooba commended the First Lady for her intervention, which he said restored peace and repaired the district’s political image.
Former aspirant Sebastian Bitariho pledged to work towards strengthening party unity, appreciating the leadership for addressing the disputes.
In the re-run, Agnes Tushabe won with 397 votes against Agnes Bugiri Kansiime, who garnered 156 votes.
Tushabe thanked the First Lady for ensuring a peaceful and transparent process and vowed to work with other leaders to uplift the party’s standards.
The First Lady’s presence was credited with enabling the smooth conclusion of an election that had previously been overshadowed by tension and violence.
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