Summary:
- Hon. Aja stated that it is time to save the party from internal divisions and ineffective leadership.
KABALE: Hon. Aja Andrew Baryayanga, former Member of Parliament for Kabale Municipality, has officially declared his candidacy for the NRM Party Chairmanship in Kabale District.
In a bold move, Hon. Aja stated that it is time to save the party from internal divisions and ineffective leadership. He believes the NRM in Kabale has become fragmented, and he aims to restore it to its former strength ahead of the 2026 elections.
Speaking to our reporter, Hon. Aja expressed concern that Kabale, once a stronghold for the NRM, has gradually lost ground to other political parties. He attributed this decline to weak leadership, which has motivated him to act.
“I can’t stand by and watch my party fall apart,” he said. “I’m ready to step up and lead the NRM in Kabale.”
Hon. Aja’s connection to the NRM runs deep. His father, the late Stephen Baryayanga, was a prominent figure in the Uganda Patriotic Movement (UPM), the predecessor of the NRM led by President Yoweri Museveni.
During the UPM era in the Kigezi subregion, notable Mobilizer s such as Hon. Ruhakana Rugunda and Amama Mbabazi both of whom later served as Prime Ministers along with renowned businessman Dr. Amos Nzeyi, Hon. Jack Sabiiti, and the late Prof. Emmanuel Tumusiime Mutebile, who became the Governor of the Bank of Uganda, played key roles in the movement.
Hon. Aja emphasized that he takes pride in being a product of the NRM and will not sit idly by while the party loses support to emerging political forces.
Although he previously ran as an independent in Kabale Municipality, he clarified that this was due to his victory being allegedly taken by Hon. Serapio Rukundo, who was then the Minister of State for Tourism.
“Even when I was independent, I continued mobilizing for the NRM,” Hon. Aja added.
Currently, the NRM leadership in Kabale is held by Hon. David Bahati, the State Minister for Cooperatives and MP for Ndorwa West County. Bahati has served two terms in this top party role in the district.
With Hon. Aja entering the race, the contest is expected to be intense. Both candidates are highly influential, well-known in Kabale, and financially capable of running robust campaigns.
The role of NRM District Chairperson is critical, as it involves overseeing the party at the local level, ensuring unity, and mobilizing supporters.
The chairperson is also crucial in preparing the party for elections. In a district like Kabale, with its rich political history, the NRM Chairperson must maintain the party’s strength and organization.
As the election draws closer, all eyes are on this impending political clash between two formidable figures. Kabale is set to witness a highly competitive race for the top NRM position
