Former Opponents Rally Behind Minister Jim Muhwezi, Deny Claims of Being Bought

Rukungiri: Former opponents of the Minister for Security, Retired Maj. Gen. Jim Muhwezi Katugugu, who also serves as the Member of Parliament for Rujumbura County, have refuted claims that they were financially influenced to back his campaign. They said their support is driven purely by loyalty to the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and a desire to uphold party unity.

These former opponents include individuals who contested against Muhwezi in the NRM primaries, as well as others who were initially nominated to run against him in the ongoing general elections.

A number of these candidates have been visibly campaigning for Minister Muhwezi during his current rallies. Those who withdrew after losing the NRM primaries include Frank Arineitwe Rukanirwa, Ambrose Kibuuka, Fred Birimuye, and Obadiah Musiime.

Others who were nominated as independent candidates for the general elections and have since withdrawn from the race are John Paddy Owomugisha, Rodgers Kwesiga, Herbert Magezi, Anacklet Amanya, and Junior Murebire Rwendire.

It is also alleged that Hillary Tumuhimbise Tusiime of the NUP has lost interest in the race and is expected to announce his withdrawal officially on December 9.

While addressing residents in Bwambara Sub-County on December 8, Rukanirwa, Kibuuka, and Birimuye stated during Muhwezi’s rally that they chose to support him because he defeated them fairly in the NRM primaries.

They emphasized that no one forced or influenced them, asserting that they are committed to respecting and upholding the party’s internal democratic processes.

CUE IN….FRANK AND AMBROSE…RR

In his response, Minister Jim Muhwezi thanked the former opponents for embracing party cohesion and supporting the NRM cause.

He promised to work toward splitting the constituency into two administrative areas to improve service delivery, adding that he plans to retire after completing his next term.

CUE IN….MIN JIM ON NRM…RR