Independent Candidates in Rukungiri Vow to Defy NRM Resolution

Rukungiri: Independent parliamentary aspirants in Rukungiri District have vowed to defy a resolution passed by the party’s flag bearers advising them not to contest in the forthcoming general elections.

The resolution followed two meetings one held on Monday October 20, at Riverside Hotel and another on Tuesday October 21, at Rukungiri Inn Hotel chaired by the Minister for Security and Member of Parliament for Rujumbura Constituency, Maj. Gen. Jim Muhwezi Katugugu, who also serves as the Rukungiri NRM District Chairperson.

During the meetings, NRM flag bearers resolved not to support any candidate who decides to contest as an independent after losing in the party primaries. They accused some independents of undermining party unity and warned that those who insist on running outside the NRM framework would not receive party backing.

Among those affected by the resolution are the incumbent Woman MP for Rukungiri District Hon. Medius Natukunda Kaharata, Hon. Annah Nuwagaba Tumuramye, who contested for Woman MP Rukungiri District; former LCV chairperson aspirant Angello Twinomuhangi; and Bob Rugonde, who contested in Rubabo Constituency.

However, the independent candidates, who convened their own meeting at Riverside Hotel this evening October 21, unanimously rejected the NRM resolution. They accused the recent NRM primaries of being marred by intimidation, bribery, and irregularities vowing to seek justice through the people’s vote.

Angello Twinomuhangi told our reporter that he cannot support a flag bearer who allegedly cheated him in the primaries, saying he learned to contest as an independent from his competitor, Andrewson Charles Katebire, who also won the LCV seat as an independent candidate in 2021.

Bob Rugonde also expressed dissatisfaction with the conduct of the primaries, saying that his decision to return as an independent is aimed at promoting fairness and credible representation.

CUE IN…ANGELLO AND RUGONDE…RR

Hon. Medius Natukunda Kaharata urged the public not to be swayed by the NRM flag bearers’ resolutions. She urged them to support individuals with leadership qualities rather than focusing on political parties.

Annah Nuwagaba Tumuramye also said she was dissatisfied with the ruling of the NRM tribunal after filing a petition over the primary elections, and urged party members not to brand independents as rebels.

CUE IN… MEDIUS AND ANNAH…RR

The independents reiterated that although they are contesting outside the party structures, they remain loyal to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and the NRM government. They clarified that running as independents does not mean abandoning the party but rather seeking fair representation for their supporters.

They appealed to the public to support leaders committed to genuine service, not those pursuing personal interests.