A section of National Resistance Movement (NRM) leaders and supporters in Mukono Municipality have expressed deep dissatisfaction with how the party handled the violent attack on Andrew Ssenyonga, a former LC5 chairperson and prominent contender in the recent party primaries.
They say the silence and inaction from both the party structures and security agencies have left grassroots supporters demoralized and questioning the party’s commitment to fair play.
Joseph Wamala, the NRM Secretary for Mukono Municipality, accused party and security officials of failing to produce a proper security report after Ssenyonga was physically assaulted during the heated primary period.
“NRM supporters have been left in space. Tallied votes were not convincing and several parishes from Goma Division were completely left out in the final count,” Wamala said.
He added that preliminary results from Mukono Central Division had also been ignored, raising suspicion about the credibility of the process.
Wamala called on the NRM Secretariat to directly engage with voters in Mukono to understand their preferred candidates if the party is serious about winning.
“We logged a complaint before the tribunal, but our case is tactical and requires special consideration,” he noted.
He also criticized the district party leadership for being silent, despite police being accused of involvement in injuring Ssenyonga.
Christine Wadada, a Mukono District councillor, claimed the assault was a calculated political plot.
“If he had committed any wrongdoing, he would have been arrested, detained and prosecuted. Instead, he was beaten and left to seek medical care,” Wadada said.
She added that the party’s decision to front “a weak candidate” for the general election showed that winning was no longer a priority.
Other leaders, including Dickson Mazinga, argued that the municipality needs “tested and approachable leaders,” warning that if Ssenyonga decides to run as an independent candidate, many NRM members will rally behind him.
Janat Tumutende, another councillor, said card-holding members are “not ready to remain in a sinking boat” and would back an independent if it means saving their political influence.
Ssenyonga is currently undergoing treatment in Nairobi, Kenya, for injuries sustained in the attack.
The district party chairperson, Hajji Haruna Ssemakula, has previously dismissed the matter as “uncalled for,” questioning why Ssenyonga had gone to the police at night.
Ssemakula has also warned that any candidates contesting as NRM-leaning independents will not receive party support in the campaigns.
Political analysts warn that the growing rift in Mukono could weaken the NRM’s chances in the general election, especially if disgruntled members throw their weight behind an independent candidate.
With primaries already marred by allegations of voter exclusion, questionable tallies, and security intimidation, party unity in Mukono now hangs by a thread.
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