Kigongo Calls for Unity Among NRM Leaders in Butaleja: “The Movement is Bigger Than All of Us”

Butaleja — The National Resistance Movement (NRM) National Vice Chairperson, Al-Hajji Moses Kigongo, has urged party leaders in Butaleja District to put aside personal differences and unite to strengthen the Movement’s grassroots structures, warning that disunity threatens the party’s foundations.

Speaking during a meeting with NRM leaders on Sunday, Kigongo emphasized discipline, loyalty, and teamwork as essential ingredients for sustaining the Movement’s dominance.

“Let us forgive our colleagues and remember that the Movement is bigger than all of us,” Kigongo said. “If the structures collapse, the Movement will collapse too. We are here because of those structures.”

He tasked leaders with taking ownership of local mobilization instead of waiting for external help.

“We don’t need people from Kampala to come and organize your villages. Move house to house and get the votes for the Movement,” he advised.

Kigongo condemned reports that some NRM leaders were secretly supporting independent candidates, describing the act as “indiscipline”.

“How can a district chairperson support an independent? Is that person really a leader?” he asked. “We know them, and time will come when we expose them.”

He cautioned against turning politics into a money-making venture, urging members to serve out of commitment rather than financial gain.

“You can get money through proper channels, but don’t use it to destroy the party,” he added. Kigongo reaffirmed the NRM’s resilience and called for unity behind party flag bearers. “The Movement is strong and will not fail. Let us protect our gains and move forward together,” he said.

Todwong: “Independents Must Step Down”

NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong echoed Kigongo’s remarks, saying the party was ushering in a new phase of discipline and internal accountability.

“This is an important meeting, and I’m glad we’re opening a new chapter where disagreements are opportunities for internal correction, not division,” Todwong stated.

He reminded members that President Museveni has consistently opposed the culture of independents within the NRM.

“We must support the selected flag bearers. Independents must step down,” Todwong said. “If you are supporting an independent, you must step down from your NRM position.

Disloyalty will not be tolerated.” Dombo: “I’ve Never Been an Independent”

NRM Director for Communications Emmanuel Dombo reaffirmed his unwavering loyalty to the Movement, citing his own experience after losing in the party primaries.

“I want to make it clear that I have never considered running as an independent. When I lost in the NRM primaries, I refused to run independently because it would have split the party,” Dombo said.

He revealed that President Museveni had ordered an ISO investigation into allegations that he had incited violence in Butaleja, and he was later cleared.

“The ISO investigation exonerated me. I’ve always supported the party and continue to do so,” he noted.

Dombo urged party leaders to act against false accusations and emphasized collective loyalty.

“We must stay united and continue to mobilize for our flag bearers,” he said.

Naham: “No Party Resources for Disloyal Leaders”

NRM Director for Finance and Administration Hajat Medina Naham also weighed in, stressing that loyalty to the flag bearers is non-negotiable.

“In all meetings with the President, he has never allowed independents to run against NRM flag bearers,” she stated. “If you are an NRM official and supporting an independent, you must step down from your position.”

She reiterated that the party cannot entrust resources to leaders who are not loyal. “We must all fall in line behind the flag bearers to ensure NRM’s success,” she said.

The meeting was also attended by Hon. Amb. Barbara Nekesa, the NRM National Treasurer, among other senior party officials.