Youth leaders in Rukungiri District have appealed to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, also the National Chairman of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), to step in and address growing divisions within the party locally.
The appeal followed an NRM stakeholders’ meeting held at Hotel Riverside, convened to tackle internal wrangles that have escalated since the start of the year. The disagreements reportedly involve some of the district’s most prominent party figures, including Rt. Maj. Gen. Jim Muhwezi, Rujumbura County MP and NRM flag bearer; Rtd. Lt. Gen. Henry Tumukunde, Rukungiri Municipality NRM flag bearer; former Rubabo MP and current District Woman MP Hon. Midius Natukunda Kaharata; LCV flag bearer Mr. Andrewson Charles Kateebire; senior presidential advisor Madam Peace Rugambwa; and Hon. Rutahigwa.
The meeting, attended by most of these leaders, highlighted a widening rift within the party, dividing local leadership into two rival camps, popularly referred to as the “Japanese” and “Chinese.” The “Japanese” camp reportedly includes Hon. Jim Muhwezi, Hon. Rutahigwa, Hon. Midius Natukunda, and incumbent LCV Chairman Mr. Kyomukama Geoffrey.
Tensions escalated during the discussions, with some participants accusing organizers of favoring one side by selectively choosing speakers. Others argued that the meeting failed to provide a balanced platform for resolving deeper issues involving senior party figures, referred to as “the generals.”
After the meeting, Rukungiri District NRM Youth League Chairman Tukundane Levi Napoleon warned that the divisions threaten party unity and future progress.
“As youth leaders and the next generation of NRM leadership, we find this ongoing conflict deeply troubling,” Tukundane said. “We humbly appeal to the President to personally mediate and guide reconciliation. District-level dialogue without national guidance may not yield lasting results.”
Tukundane noted that Rukungiri is currently experiencing a period of reduced opposition pressure, with the once-dominant FDC weakening and the emerging PFF still struggling to gain ground.
“This is the time for NRM to consolidate unity and strengthen grassroots influence, rather than allow internal wrangles to create openings for the opposition,” he added, urging all party members, particularly senior figures, to prioritize dialogue and reconciliation to protect NRM’s legacy in Rukungiri and nationwide.
The divisions emerge as the district, once an opposition stronghold, shows signs of shifting toward the ruling party following years of political realignment and youth mobilization.
