Rukungiri District was once one of the strongest supporters of the NRA during the 1980s bush war. Yet, decades later, our people still struggle to unite under a single political direction.
In every election, divisions resurface, even within the ruling NRM party. President Yoweri Museveni has repeatedly warned against intrigue and internal wrangles, but some old cadres determined to cling to power continue to ignore his counsel—leaving Rukungiri deeply divided.
Now, however, change is stirring. People are beginning to realize that destructive politics weakens the NRM’s strength in the district, especially with the 2026 elections fast approaching.
New alliances are emerging, signaling the start of one of the most complex political transitions in Rukungiri’s history.
Take the recent NRM primaries, for example. Candidates allied to long-time political figure Cadre “Ndyabambireki” were decisively rejected. His preferred LC5 candidate lost to Hon. Anderson Katebire.
At the CEC Delegates Conference, Rukungiri delegates again voted against him, this time choosing his junior, Lt. Mushabe.
These defeats mark a clear shift. Once influential, Ndyabambireki now looks politically isolated, with diminishing trust on the ground. He even risks exclusion from the next Cabinet reshuffle.
Observers argue that his only path forward is to give way to more inclusive leaders, figures such as Gen. Henry Tumukunde, whose unifying approach contrasts sharply with Ndyabambireki’s confrontational style.
Rising leaders like Hon. Mary Paula, Hon. Anderson Katebire, Hon. Bob Rugonde, and Hon. Boaz Matita further symbolize the dawn of a new era in Rukungiri politics.
For years, Ndyabambireki thrived on divide-and-rule tactics. He clashed with Prof. Mondo Kagonyera in 1998, fought with Hon. Mary Paula and her Boona FM radio station, and was accused of influencing the detention of journalists critical of him, such as Kachene of Boona FM.
He even turned against fellow bush war comrade Gen. Tumukunde and Hon. Bob Rugonde of Rubabo. These actions fractured unity within the NRM and alienated supporters.
Recently, social media buzzed with claims that he engineered the closure of Boona FM, allegations he denied. Still, the silencing of a station that informed the public was a serious loss.
His abrasive approach has only bred resentment. At one point, on his own radio show, he even threatened to “crash” anyone who challenged his authority.
But times have changed. His shrinking circle of allies and growing rejection from voters suggest that his once unshakable grip on Rukungiri politics is slipping away.
What we are witnessing is nothing short of a political revolution. And as 2026 draws near, this shift will only grow stronger.
The writer, Bright Buhe is a political pundit and farmer. B.A. Communications
