Angry NRM Mobilizers Who Campaigned for President Museveni Accuse Peace Rugambwa of Failing to Pay Them

Rukungiri: NRM mobilizers in Rukungiri District are demanding payment for 15 days they spent campaigning for President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and other NRM flag bearers during the January 15 general elections.

The angry mobilizers, ranging from parish to district level, gathered on May 13, at Merphie Hotel in Eastern Division, Rukungiri Municipality, where they addressed journalists over what they described as failure by the Senior Presidential Advisor on Agriculture and Local People, Peace Rugambwa, to fulfill promises made to them during the campaign period.

The mobilizers claim that Peace Rugambwa promised to pay parish-level mobilizers UGX 300,000 each, sub-county mobilizers UGX 750,000, constituency mobilizers UGX 1,500,000, and district-level mobilizers UGX 3,000,000 as allowances for the 15 days they spent conducting door-to-door campaigns.

On December 23, 2025, Team Peace Rugambwa for President Museveni officially launched a door-to-door campaign aimed at mobilizing support for President Museveni and all NRM flag bearers ahead of the 2026 general elections.

The campaign strategy targeted rural and hard-to-reach areas, with the aim of convincing voters, including opposition supporters, to vote for NRM candidates.

The head of the advance team for Peace Rugambwa who doubles as Mitooma District chairperson for Team Peace Rugambwa, Collins Mumpe, said the issue affects mobilizers in all the 12 districts of South Western Uganda where her team operated.

Mumpe asked President Museveni to intervene and help the mobilizers, saying the matter is creating divisions within the NRM party. He also accused Peace Rugambwa of allegedly staging fake political converts during the election period by hiring people and printing opposition party cards for FDC and NUP supporters in order to convince the public and NRM leaders that she was actively mobilizing support on the ground.

Several mobilizers, including Peruth Nimusiima from Rukungiri Municipality, Joy Ngabirano from Bwambara Sub-county, Talent Nagasha from Rukungiri Municipality, LC1 Chairperson John-Bosco Muhumuza from Bwambara Sub-county, Julie Turyagyenda from Rukungiri Municipality, and Richard Turyabira from Nyakagyeme Sub-county, said they were promised more benefits after the elections.

They alleged that Peace Rugambwa promised UGX 10 million to each of the eight district-level team members, a vehicle for the group, and a trip to State House to meet President Museveni after his victory. However, they claim she no longer answers their phone calls.

The mobilizers said they used their own money during the campaigns to cover transport, meals, airtime, and other expenses, but have never been refunded.

They also accused Peace Rugambwa of previously collecting UGX 12,000 from members of the public about 15 years ago with promises of providing items such as mattresses, onions, and other materials, but allegedly disappeared after collecting the money. They asked President Museveni to intervene and ensure the affected people are refunded with interest.

The mobilizers further accused Peace Rugambwa of promoting divisionism within the NRM party through attacks on social media targeting some leaders, including Security Minister Rt. Maj. Gen. Jim Muhwezi Katugugu and Rukungiri RDC Bron Kikanshemeza.

By press time, Peace Rugambwa had not yet commented on the allegations, as she reportedly declined to answer repeated phone calls from our reporter.