NRM Restructuring in Mukono Marred by Infighting, Personal Interests

Efforts by the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) to restructure its leadership in Mukono district have been hampered by persistent internal wrangles and personal ambitions, with rival factions engaging in bitter dispute.

The restructuring exercise, initiated by the NRM district leadership and approved by the party secretariat, was intended to unite party members ahead of the primaries and general elections.

Meetings have so far been held in Nagojje and Mukono Central Division, with plans to extend the process to all sub-counties in the district.

However, the initiative has been marred by allegations of exclusion and favoritism.

Pressure groups within the party have accused the district leadership, led by Hajji Twahir Ssebaggala, of sidelining previous restructuring meetings and ignoring key stakeholders.

Ambassador James William Kinobe confirmed that Hajji Ssebaggala had submitted a budget request to the party secretariat for funding the meetings, though the funds are yet to be disbursed.

Sadat Katabira, Chairperson of the Greater Mukono NRM United Brigade, accused the district leadership of refusing to attend meetings organised by grassroots members over claims of insufficient transport refunds.

“To our surprise, the same leadership convinced the secretariat to fund their own meetings while persistently denying us a chance to voice our concerns,” he said.

During a meeting at Ntawo in Mukono Central Division, tensions escalated when Katabira was allegedly prevented from speaking.

In response, his supporters disrupted the meeting by blowing vuvuzelas and making noise until he was allowed to address the gathering.

He accused party leaders of promoting divisions within NRM by creating hierarchical classes among members.

The conflict deepened with allegations of disciplinary issues among party leaders.

Ramathan Lubowa, the Mukono Municipality representative for persons with disabilities, claimed that those who defended opposition votes in previous elections were being shielded from accountability. However, his concerns were reportedly suppressed.

In defense, Hajji Ssebaggala dismissed the accusations, attributing them to personal ambitions.

“Most of those speaking against my leadership are merely seeking to gain popularity ahead of the party primaries,” he said.

Further complicating matters is an apparent power struggle within the district leadership.

Vice Chairperson Hajji Haruna Ssemakula has notably boycotted restructuring meetings since announcing his intention to challenge Ssebaggala for the district chairmanship.

In one incident at Nagojje, Ssebaggala allegedly instructed a DJ not to play music for a group carrying Ssemakula’s placards, prompting Ssemakula to withdraw from the meeting.

Fatumah Ndisaba Nabitaka, the Mukono Resident District Commissioner, expressed disappointment at the ongoing discord, urging members to resolve disputes through proper party channels.

“At this time, those competing for the same positions should be working together and campaigning freely rather than confronting each other,” she said.

“Mukono Municipality, the heart of Greater Mukono, should be our priority to win back, not lose again,” she added.

Meanwhile, Mike Ssegawa, an NRM flag bearer for Mukono Municipality, emphasized the importance of restructuring meetings in fostering unity and learning from past mistakes.

“These meetings should help us select the best candidates and chart a path to victory, especially in areas where NRM previously lost,” he said.

With the restructuring exercise still underway, it remains uncertain whether the party will overcome its internal divisions in time for the upcoming elections.
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