Masaka, Uganda – Following recent general elections, leaders within Uganda’s National Resistance Movement (NRM) in the Masaka sub-region are calling for unity and continued focus on development as President Yoweri Museveni begins his seventh term in office. The calls for cohesion come amid ongoing legal challenges to some election results and a broader push to consolidate gains made under the NRM’s decades-long rule.
NRM elder Ssegawa Ronald Gyagenda, a prominent figure in Masaka City and proprietor of Radio Buddu FM, Rona Photo Studio and Buddu Maize Millers, publicly congratulated President Museveni on his victory, describing it as “well-deserved” for both the President and the ruling party. The congratulatory remarks were made during an NRM victory celebration luncheon held on , at Ssegawa’s residence in the Kizungu suburbs.
Ssegawa, alongside other key NRM mobilizers such as Joseph Kalungi (Communications Officer), played a significant role in securing support for Museveni in a region that saw a slight increase in the President’s vote share. He attributed this to visible improvements in infrastructure, expanded access to electricity, upgraded healthcare facilities and schools, and the disbursement of funds through government programs like the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Women Empowerment initiatives.
“These achievements, combined with the government’s efforts to address public concerns, inspired voters to support President Museveni and NRM-affiliated leaders,” Ssegawa stated.
The emphasis on unity within the NRM comes as newly elected leaders navigate internal challenges, including reported irregularities and delays in receiving government funding. Ssegawa urged the elected officials to avoid internal conflicts and corruption, stressing the importance of working together under the leadership of Rogers Bulegeya, the NRM party leader in Masaka City.
“If we work hard and stay united with the NRM leadership, I am confident we can secure all key positions in the future,” he added, referencing the NRM Party Constitution’s emphasis on unity as a core principle.
President Museveni himself has consistently emphasized the importance of unity, development, and service delivery. Ssegawa echoed these priorities, cautioning against internal divisions and “verbal attacks” among leaders. He specifically referenced recent exchanges between Hon. Justin Nameere and opposition figure Hon. Rose Nalubowa, describing such confrontations as potentially disruptive, requiring careful navigation until more stable leadership emerges.
Museveni, during rallies in Masaka City and the wider Greater Masaka sub-region, underscored the NRM’s contribution to peace and stability in Uganda, arguing that these conditions are fundamental to development and economic empowerment. He pointed to improvements in infrastructure, such as the Katonga–Kabale road, and the extension of electricity access to district and sub-county headquarters as evidence of the NRM’s commitment to progress. He also highlighted increased access to piped water in Masaka District and Masaka City, with over 200 villages now benefiting from the service.
However, Museveni cautioned that Masaka could receive even more government support if local leaders were more effective in advocating for the region’s needs and understanding how to navigate government processes.
The NRM secured nine council seats in Masaka City out of a total of 15 allocated positions in the general elections. While President Museveni received approximately 33% of the vote in Masaka City, this was lower than his national tally of 71.65%, according to the Electoral Commission, chaired by Justice Simon Mugenyi Byabakama.
The election of Hon. Justin Nameere as Woman MP for Masaka City was confirmed after a vote recount ordered by Chief Magistrate Albert Assimwe, despite an ongoing legal challenge from National Unity Platform candidate Hon. Rose Nalubowa, who was initially declared the winner by the Electoral Commission.
Financial support for the NRM campaign in Masaka was significant, with Ssegawa investing over Shs 50 million, including providing vehicles, public address systems, free airtime on Radio Buddu, and screenings of government achievement videos in villages. He reaffirmed his commitment to supporting elected leaders, offering to host them at his farms to share business skills, emphasizing the importance of financial stability for effective leadership.
Masaka City Resident City Commissioner Ahamada Washaki congratulated the victorious NRM leaders and urged them to maintain peace and relevance within their communities. He also announced plans to issue a directive preventing government-aided schools from sending pupils home over unpaid fees, reiterating that Universal Primary Education is free.
Hajjat Ali Matovu, representing NRM City Chairperson Rogers Bulegeya, also extended congratulations to the winners and to President Museveni. The outpouring of support from within the NRM signals a determined effort to consolidate power and deliver on promises of development and economic empowerment in the Masaka region.
Hon. Oscar Mutebi, a former Deputy Speaker and potential candidate for the Bukoto Central Constituency in 2031, has been a key supporter of NRM candidates in the area and was specifically thanked by Ssegawa for his unifying support during the campaigns. His contributions, along with those of other local leaders, are seen as crucial to the NRM’s continued success in the region.
