Opinion: Kimosho’s Risky Independent Bet Threatens NRM Unity in Kazo

By Kazora Richard 

In the verdant hills of Kazo District, where pastoral life intersects with the ambitions of a youthful electorate, a political storm is quietly gathering—one that could shatter the legacy of incumbent MP Hon. Dan Kimosho. Once celebrated as a champion of youth issues and higher standards in politics, the legislator now stands accused of playing a perilous double game that risks his career and the unity of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) in Kazo.

Sources close to local politics allege that Kimosho has covertly backed Ronah Ruranga—an independent candidate currently working on kyeyo in the USA—to challenge the NRM flag bearer, Hon. Molly Nawe Kamukama, for the Kazo District Woman MP seat. This risky maneuver has triggered fierce backlash. Supporters are said to have issued an ultimatum: decampaign Kamukama or risk losing their loyalty to rising political star Balaam Kantu. With the 2026 elections drawing near, Kimosho’s silence on his alleged financing of Ruranga could spell disaster, echoing the biblical warning: “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18).

From Youth Politics to Kingmaker Ambitions

A Uganda Christian University law graduate and former journalist, Kimosho has represented Kazo County since 2021. His political journey includes an earlier bid for Western Youth MP in 2011, where he lost, and a notable role as chair of the 2022 parliamentary probe into the Nakawa-Naguru land giveaway. His fearlessness in questioning powerful figures earned him respect.

Yet, his self-styled image as Kazo’s “king maker” has unsettled district heavyweights. Elders view this as arrogance from a newcomer, contrasting sharply with the humility of veteran leaders. One senior citizen observed, “We had Eng. John Nasasira, a minister who represented Kazo for nearly 27 years and brought roads, electricity, and schools. Yet he never called himself Kazo’s god. Who is Kimosho to claim such?”

This perception of hubris has worsened with allegations that he is backing Ruranga against Kamukama, a seasoned politician with deep ties to State House as a former PPS to President Museveni and former State Minister for Economic Monitoring (2019–2021). Kamukama, who recently defeated Jenipher Muheesi with 68% of the popular vote, remains a formidable contender.

Balaam Kantu: The New Force in Kazo

If Kimosho hoped to weaken Kamukama through Ruranga, the gamble may have strengthened Balaam Kantu instead. The outspoken NRM loyalist is fast gaining ground among grassroots voters. His delivery of two milk coolers and a maize mill to dairy-reliant communities has endeared him to locals struggling with volatile prices and distant markets. “Balaam’s projects promise better market access and income stability,” said a farmer in Migina.

But Kantu’s appeal goes beyond material support. His organic following among the youth, especially students of Bishop Stuart University who have invited him as guest speaker this September, reflects growing trust in his vision for skills development and empowerment. As one organizer noted: “Kantu delivers where others only talk.”

For many, Kantu is filling the gap left by Kimosho’s shift from servant leadership to political theatrics.

A Dangerous Gamble

The dilemma for Kimosho is stark. If he fails to disavow ties to Ruranga and reaffirm loyalty to the NRM flag bearer, he risks alienating his base. “If Kimosho doesn’t clarify his stance against the NRM flag bearer, he’s headed for disaster,” warned an NRM chairperson from Engari Sub-County. Already, some supporters are drifting toward Kantu, who embodies the patriotic, forward-looking ideology Kimosho once championed.

The situation mirrors the perils of overconfidence in global politics. Hillary Clinton’s 2016 “blue wall” crumbled into defeat despite early confidence. In Kazo, Kimosho may learn the hard way that “he who digs a pit for others falls into it himself.”

With Kantu’s momentum, Kamukama’s resilience, and the discontent of Kazo’s elite, Kimosho faces the fight of his political life. The stakes are enormous: not just his parliamentary seat, but his resources, credibility, and long-term influence.

In the end, Kazo’s voters will weigh ideology, patriotism, and the so-called “tomorrow agenda.” If Kimosho continues down this path of silence and double-dealing, he risks political oblivion.

For now, the unity of Kazo—and perhaps Kimosho’s career—hangs by a thread.

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