By Our Reporter
Political temperatures are soaring in Rukungiri District as the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) braces for a high-stakes showdown in tomorrow’s District Executive Committee elections, set for May 23, 2025. At the heart of the storm is a sensational three-way contest for the powerful NRM District Chairperson seat—pitting two retired military generals against a bold, young civilian challenger.
This isn’t just a local party election. It’s a clash of titans, with national implications.
The Contenders:
Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Jim Muhwezi Katugugu – The Establishment Giant
At 74, Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Jim Muhwezi is no stranger to Rukungiri’s political terrain. A bush war veteran and longtime power broker in the district, Muhwezi is currently Uganda’s Minister for Security and Member of Parliament for Rujumbura County.
With a legal background and decorated military record, Muhwezi has served in nearly every major political arena—from the NRA war and the Constituent Assembly to key ministerial posts including Health, Information, and Primary Education. His supporters hail him as the “guardian of the party’s legacy” in Rukungiri.
But critics argue that after decades in power, it’s time for new leadership.
Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Henry Tumukunde – The Rebel Reformer
Enter Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Henry Tumukunde—a man as controversial as he is charismatic. Once a powerful figure in the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), Tumukunde has held top security posts including Chief of Military Intelligence and Director of Internal Security Organisation (ISO).
After his dramatic 2021 presidential bid, where he called for a peaceful transition of power and unity among the opposition, Tumukunde is now turning his sights on home turf. He seeks to unseat his old comrade, Muhwezi, and usher in what he calls a new era of party accountability.
He’s armed with legal expertise, military grit, and a sharp political tongue. But will Rukungiri back a man who once broke ranks with the establishment?
Kabano Apollo Kyabarongo – The Civilian Challenger
In a race dominated by generals, Kabano Apollo stands out as the civilian disruptor. Young, energetic, and deeply rooted in grassroots mobilization, Kabano is making waves with his call for generational change within the NRM.
Though he lacks the military credentials of his rivals, he’s built a loyal following—especially among the youth and urban voters—and is simultaneously gunning for the Rukungiri Municipality MP seat.
Kabano’s message is clear: “The future is now.”
Why This Race Matters
The Rukungiri NRM Chairperson race is more than a local leadership contest—it’s a microcosm of Uganda’s broader political tensions: the old guard versus reformers, veterans versus fresh blood, continuity versus change.
With two former generals locked in a heavyweight political battle and a youthful civilian shaking the status quo, the outcome could redefine not just party leadership in Rukungiri, but also signal shifts in Uganda’s post-Museveni political landscape.
About the Elections
NRM District Executive Committee elections will take place across Uganda on May 23. Key positions include:
- Chairperson
- Vice Chairperson
- General Secretary
- Secretary for Finance
- Secretary for Publicity
- Leaders for Special Interest Groups (Youth, Women, Elders, etc.)
All eyes are now on Rukungiri, where history, ambition, and generational politics are colliding. Will experience triumph? Will rebellion spark change? Or will a new civilian force emerge?
Tomorrow will decide.
