Africa-Press – Uganda. Newly elected Kakumiro NRM district chairman and State Minister for Transport Fred Byamukama has vowed to “rupture” what he termed as political untouchables in Kakumiro, accusing them of sowing hatred, tribalism, and division within the party and community.
Byamukama, who is also the Member of Parliament for Bugangaizi West, officially assumed office after receiving the NRM party instruments of power—including the flag, seal, and stamp—from outgoing chairman Josephat Tumwesigye.
The handover ceremony was presided over by Kakumiro NRM registrar Gonzaga Byaruhanga at the NRM House in Kakumiro Town Council.
The minister was declared unopposed by Tanga Odoi, chairperson of the National NRM Electoral Commission, after a series of closed-door arbitration meetings between rival camps supporting Byamukama and Fred Mwesigye—an aspirant reportedly backed by Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja.
Flanked by other district leaders, Byamukama took the oath of allegiance and pledged to restore unity and promote the NRM ideology across the district.
“I want to unite all tribes here and fight political intrigue and sectarianism based on tribe, religion, and economic background, which has been engineered by certain self-proclaimed untouchables in Kakumiro,” he declared.
Byamukama also called on political leaders to lead by example and warned against using personal conflicts to influence local politics.
He criticized senior politicians who front rival candidates out of personal grudges, calling the practice divisive and harmful to development.
“In my term of office, I will deal with these people who think they are too big,” he warned.
The minister also pledged to work closely with the youth to promote self-reliance and tackle leadership challenges in the district.
He urged residents of Kisita pushing for district status to focus instead on fighting poverty, illiteracy, and local conflicts.
He reaffirmed his commitment to mobilize support for President Yoweri Museveni as the sole NRM presidential flag bearer in the next elections, warning party members against running as independents.
Outgoing chairman Josephat Tumwesigye urged NRM members to remain united despite internal challenges, while Kakumiro District Chairperson Joseph Sentayi reminded residents of the NRM government’s role in transforming the Bunyoro sub-region.
“We’ve come a long way—from no tarmac roads, no electricity, poor health services, and few schools. It is the National Resistance Movement that brought peace, democracy, rule of law, and wealth creation programs,” Sentayi said.
Resident District Commissioner Peter Bisoborwa cautioned leaders against voter bribery and sectarianism, saying such practices risk igniting tribal conflicts. Also in attendance was Aisha Black, MP for Bugangaizi East.
The ceremony concluded with the swearing-in of sub-county leaders, special interest group representatives, and the full NRM District Executive Committee.
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