As the 2021 elections approached, the FDC party in Rukungiri struggled to reconcile internal conflicts involving Dr. Warren Tumwine, Hon. Rolland Kaginda, and Ingrid Turinawe.
Efforts to unite the party ahead of the general elections proved unsuccessful, leading to deep divisions and a weakened position.
Hon. Rolland Kaginda lost the FDC party flag to the newcomer, Dr. Warren Tumwine. However, the outcome was bitterly contested, resulting in an impasse that fractured the party even further opening the door for the NRM to make historic gains.
For the first time ever, an NRM candidate, Hon. Elisa Rutahigwa, won the Rukungiri Municipality parliamentary seat with 5,588 votes a stunning achievement in Dr. Kizza Besigye’s traditional stronghold.
Political analysts argue that had the FDC harmonized its differences and moved as a united front, an NRM victory would have been nearly impossible.
However, due to internal miscalculations, the FDC inadvertently paved a straight path to victory for the NRM.
Credit must be given to Hon. Rutahigwa for pulling off a historic win and reintroducing NRM into Rukungiri Municipality politics. Yet, winning the seat was only the first step. The real task for the incumbent was to consolidate his victory, entrench NRM structures in the Municipality, and capitalize on FDC’s internal weaknesses for the long term.
Unfortunately for Hon. Rutahigwa, he failed to entrench NRM structures after his win. In military terms, after winning a battle, the victor must clear enemy positions, fortify, and call for reinforcements to protect the gains. Failure to do so risks losing everything and that appears to be Rutahigwa’s current predicament.
After his election, Dr. Rutahigwa reportedly aligned himself with a select group of NRM cadres, particularly veterans of the Luwero bush war, sidelining other party members and creating internal divisions. His leadership style lacked the inclusive approach needed to unite the diverse political interests of Rukungiri Municipality.
As a result, heading into the 2026 elections, Dr. Rutahigwa faces a hostile political landscape. Many within the NRM distrust him, and the opposition, despite its ideological differences, is prepared to rally behind any candidate who can unseat him.
In this evolving political environment, the entry of retired Lt. Gen. Henry Tumukunde changes everything.
A highly respected bush war veteran and one of Rukungiri’s most decorated military officers, Gen. Tumukunde steps into Rukungiri Municipality politics at a time when voters are yearning for a unifying figure. His moderate stance, with ties both in government and among opposition sympathizers, positions him uniquely.
Unlike Rutahigwa, Gen. Tumukunde enjoys goodwill across political divides. He is seen as a candidate capable of uniting not only NRM members but also opposition supporters a rare quality that is reshaping the political dynamics of Rukungiri Municipality.
Many voters describe Gen. Tumukunde as the kind of leader Rukungiri Municipality has long needed a pro-government figure who values civil liberties, promotes economic empowerment, and respects freedom of speech and political freedom.
On the ground, voters even say, “With Gen. Henry Tumukunde, it’s like sending yourself to Parliament,” a phrase reflecting the trust and personal connection he has built within just three months of mobilization.
Political analysts predict that if elected, Gen. Tumukunde could rise quickly within government ranks. Some unconfirmed reports even suggest he could be a strong contender for the position of Speaker of Parliament after the current term, given his leadership qualities and longstanding relationship with President Yoweri Museveni.
For the people of Rukungiri Municipality, having a Member of Parliament with such influence and access to state machinery would be a significant advantage.
As the 2026 election roadmap unfolds, the political fog is clearing, and a thrilling contest is in sight. For the first time in Rukungiri Municipality’s history, voters have a candidate of Gen. Henry Tumukunde’s stature a pro-government leader who respects opposition voices, maintains cordial relations with Dr. Kizza Besigye, and promises unity, development, and political maturity.
The writer, Buhe Bright, is a Political Pundit and Communications Expert.
