Africa-Press – Uganda. President Museveni has lauded former Mbarara City North MP Michael Tusiime and Bonny Kashaija, the former NRM flag bearer for Mbarara City Woman MP, for their decision to abandon independent candidacies in the upcoming elections.
In a public statement, Museveni said the two cadres had chosen party unity over personal ambition.
“I want to thank Hon. Michael Tusiime and Hon. Bonny Kashaija for patriotically agreeing not to stand for elections as independents in order not to divide our people,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
The decision is being seen as a significant step in preventing the fragmentation of the NRM vote in Mbarara, a strategic region for the ruling party.
Museveni revealed that Tusiime and Kashaija met him to air grievances, some of which he said touched on criminal matters. He promised to follow up on their concerns personally.
“I am going to check and follow up,” he said, signaling his direct intervention in resolving internal disputes. He also thanked Ambassador Adonia for facilitating the meeting.
The President further announced that Bonny Kashaija has been appointed to replace Jovline Kaliisa Kyomukama as the Parish Development Model (PDM) National Coordinator.
Michael Tusiime, in his own statement, emphasized that his withdrawal was rooted in principle.
“My decision to step down and not contest as an independent was based on principle for the good of the unity of the NRM party,” he said.
The move highlights NRM’s ongoing efforts to maintain discipline and unity within its ranks, as internal disagreements threaten to spill over into independent contests.
Analysts say the action taken by Tusiime and Kashaija may serve as an example for other members facing similar decisions.
With the election season heating up, the NRM leadership is expected to intensify efforts to prevent divisions that could weaken its electoral performance.
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