Rukungiri– The first National Vice Chairman for National Resistance movement Al-Hajji Moses Kigongo has cautioned the NRM Party supports in Rukungiri district against factions within the party.
Mr Kigongo was speaking at the reconciliation ceremony of the security minister Rtd. Maj. Gen. Jim Katugugu Muhwezi and his former political rival Mr Frank Arinitwe Rukanirwa a function that took place at Riverside Hotel in Eastern division Rukungiri municipality today 12th.9.2025.
Mr Kigongo told NRM party supporters that co-operation is the only thing that will create a favorable environment for all NRM party flag bearers in the district to win in the coming 2026 general elections.
‘’ Let us all remain one because are all in one movement and we all supporting movement. If we are supporting the movement, let us remain together and if we remain together then Movement will survive the coming 2026 general elections ’’. Mr Kigongo said.
Mr Kigongo explained that the NRM members should work in unity for the good of Uganda.
“I need to be clear about this. Have politics of principles, not politics of selfishness. “If you have differences, it’s understandable, but now you are all NRM,” he said.
He also reminded them that the NRM was founded on inclusivity, unlike older sectarian-based parties, and emphasized the need for internal dialogue instead of infighting.
Speaking at the same function, the Rujumbura county member of parliament and the NRM party flag bearer for Rujumbura county in Rukungiri district Rtd. Maj. Gen. Jim K Muhwezi said there is a lot of power and strength in co-operation saying that when people agree to work together development is a must.
He therefore thanked Mr Rukanirwa for fostering peace and harmony among NRM supporters in the district.‘’ It’s high time people understand the strength of co-operation.
Because of co-operation small insects called ‘’Ants’’ built an Anthill. It is from this point that I want to thank Mr Rukanirwa for accepting to co-operate with me and am sure that we shall together development Rujumbura and Rukungiri district at large’’. Minister Muhwezi added.
He also promised Rujumbura people that he will work hard towards their development once elected again to represent them in parliament.
‘’ When I was picking the nomination papers from the NRM party headquarters, I told the public that am coming for the last term but that does not mean that I will not work. I serve you whole heartedly ‘’ Minister Muhwezi said.
On his side, Frank Arinitwe Rukanirwa said he decided to reconcile with Minister Muhwezi for the good of the party promising to back and support all NRM party flag bearers.
‘’ This reconciliation means a lot to me and to the people of Rukungiri district because when someone comes as an independent candidate it means that he is dividing members of NRM party. So for me I have today come out to reconcile with the NRM flag bearer for Rujumbura county for the good well being of the party ’’. Mr Rukanirwa said.
NRM Members Reacting on the action
Mr Ambrose Kibuuka, the Rukungiri district NRM party vice chairperson described the action as a great mile stone saying that it will help the party to progress in the coming 2026 general elections.
‘’ We are happy in Rukungiri because we have held an NRM family meeting and we have reconciled with one another. What is so important is the reconciliation of minister Muhwezi and his political rival Frank Arinitwe Rukanirwa. I think is reconciliation will greatly help us as a party in the coming 2026 general elections ’’. Mr Kibuuka said.
The former Rukungiri district lc5 NRM party flag bearer Mr Angello Twinomujuni described the action as a great step which will help the party to cement its strength in the district.
‘’ As NRM we have for sure achieved and this reconciliation will greatly help us in the coming 2026 general elections ’’. Mr Twinomujuni said.
Mr Fred Mugisha , an NRM party member and the former Rujumbura county NRM Party flag bearer said this actions shows the level of maturity among the NRM party members in the district.
‘’ We are working as a team and this action should not be taken for granted so I want to thank Minister Muhwezi and Frank Rukanirwa for accepting to work with one another ’’ . Mr Mugisha noted.
Genesis of Reconciliation.
On July 17, 2025, the NRM party went to the polls to choose the flag bearers for the positions of constituency Member of Parliament and District Woman Member of Parliament.
In Rujumbura , Security minister Jim K Muhwezi was a tight race with Frank Arinitwe Rukanirwa fighting for the party flag but the race ended in the hands of Minister muhwezi which Frank opposed and he thus declared independent candidature a thing which caused tension and divisionism among NRM Party supporters in the district.
Frank’s intention to come as an independent candidate in the coming 2026 general elections forced the 1st national vice chairperson of NRM to cause a meeting for reconciliation between Minister Muhwezi and Frank Rukanirwa thus their reconciliation.
