Kisoro District councilor’s have overwhelmingly rejected a motion seeking to allocate public land to the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) for the construction of party offices.
The motion was on Monday tabled by LC5 Chairperson Abel Bizimana, who said the request had been forwarded by the NRM secretariat. He added that other districts had already donated land for similar projects and proposed that the offices be constructed opposite the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, near the district headquarters.
However, the proposal sparked heated debate, with several councillors accusing the ruling party of failing to fulfil past commitments to the district. District Speaker Amos Hakizimana, who chaired the sitting, called for an open vote and the majority opposed the motion.
LC5 Female Councillor for Nyakinama Subcounty, Nakato Dianah, argued that since NRM charges nomination fees from its members, it should be able to purchase or lease land instead of seeking it for free.
Johns Mfitumukiza, popularly known as “John’s Touch,” cited numerous unfulfilled government promises, including the construction of the Kanyamateke Bridge, an industrial park, the Kale Institute of Science and Technology, and the long-delayed Kisoro–Rubuguri road.
He criticized the government for allocating billions to Kampala boda boda riders while districts like Kisoro remain sidelined.
Juliet Kamusime, representing Nyanamo and Bukimbiri subcounties, noted that Kisoro delivers overwhelming support to the NRM (“Ijana kwi jana”) yet has not benefited proportionately in terms of factories or major development projects.
The councilors warned that allocating public land to a political party could create a dangerous precedent, especially if another party takes power in the future. They insisted that the NRM, being a well-resourced organization, should buy or rent land instead.
By the end of the business, the motion was unanimously rejected, leaving the NRM headquarters’ request unresolved.
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However, not all councilors supported the decision. Byamugisha Deus, the district publicity secretary and LC5 councillor for Rubuguri Town Council, rebuked his colleagues, describing them as mere “party label members” despite most being NRM flag bearers.
He argued that President Museveni had supported the district even if not perfectly and that permanent party offices would reduce rental expenses.
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Bishubeho Luis, the NRM chairperson of Kirundo Sub county and LC5 councillor, suggested that since the construction of the Resident District Commissioner’s offices is about to begin, a provision for NRM offices could be included.
However, he acknowledged that if space is limited, the party may have to hire land or a building for its operations.
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