RUKIGA, UGANDA – The ruling party’s NRM flag bearer for LC V Chairperson in Rukiga District, Hon. Simon Mutebi Rwamagyenda, has publicly defied the party leadership by endorsing the independent incumbent, Ndyomugyenyi Roland Bish, for the Rukiga County MP race.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Rwamagyenda justified his stance by declaring the official NRM candidate, Kiconco Patrick Katabazi, “incompetent” and incapable of effectively serving the constituency’s interests.
This endorsement starkly contradicts the directive from NRM District Chairperson Frank Kyerere, who had made it clear that every NRM member would back the party candidates at all costs—a stance that marks a significant escalation in the internal party conflict.
Frank Kyerere used a political rally to dismiss rumors of dissent and issue a stern directive for all NRM members to support the official candidate, Kiconco Patrick Katabazi.
However, when given the platform to respond, Hon. Simon Mutebi Rwamagyenda did not directly deny the allegation but instead defended his position on the grounds of personal choice and democratic principles.
He emphasized that voters must be allowed to make their own choices based on who they genuinely believe can best serve their interests.
In a dramatic turn, Rwamagyenda challenged his opponent, Michael Kwarikunda Mbareba, to join him on the platform and called on voters to choose between them, highlighting the race’s fragmented loyalties.
The public rift underscores the deep-seated tensions within the NRM in Rukiga District and signals a potentially divisive campaign period ahead, as party discipline clashes with individual political preferences.
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