"NRM Can Stop Anyone in Elections" Bold Statement by AG Kiryowa

At a recent meeting held at Hotel Africana, top leaders of the ruling NRM party in Buganda tried to convince primary election losers to step down and support the official flag bearers. However, the session became tense when AG Kiwanuka Kiryowa, patron of the ‘Buganda on Museveni’ campaign initiative, was confronted by lawyer David Kintu. Kintu refused to bow out unless his claimed investment of Shs300 million in the race against winner Fred Ruhindi was refunded.

Kintu, who belongs to the self-styled Caucus for Independents, vowed to stay in the race until the end. He accused flag bearers of rigging the elections and criticized others, including Faridah Nakalawa, who had withdrawn in favor of official candidates, calling her actions a betrayal.

He also condemned over 80 other primary losers who withdrew at the Africana meeting, calling them “unserious” for bowing out after enjoying refreshments or promises of meetings with the President. Kintu demanded that NRM organizers show more respect to candidates he claimed were unfairly treated.

The confrontation caused tension in the room. Some attendees who had initially stepped down began to reconsider their decisions. Kiryowa, who had spent most of the day urging support for flag bearers, was directly challenged by Kintu’s defiance.

During the session, outgoing Buganda NRM Chairman Godfrey Kiwanda presented statistics from the 2021 elections, showing constituencies won by NUP due to vote splitting among multiple NRM candidates. Areas cited included Lugazi and Njeru Municipalities, Bbale and Ntenjeru Counties, Nakifuuma County, Kalungu East, and Kasanda South.

Kiryowa used these statistics to stress the importance of unity, saying no individual should think they are bigger than the party. He argued that the NRM lost several seats in 2021 because independent candidates split votes, making a strong case for rallying behind the party flag bearers.

Responding to Kintu’s bold stance, Kiryowa said the meeting was just one tool in the NRM’s toolkit. He firmly declared, “There is no one the ruling NRM party can’t stop or overcome when it comes to winning elections in this country.”

He added that he would not give in to what he described as blackmail or extortion. Kiryowa emphasized that his work to support flag bearers was voluntary and done out of loyalty to President Yoweri Museveni, not personal gain.

Despite Kintu’s resistance, several would-be independents eventually pledged to step down and support NRM candidates. This included Dr. Thadeus Musoke, Joy Kabatsi, Elijah Owobusobozi, Fatia Nakamya, among others. Some attached conditions, such as private meetings with the President, to explain perceived injustices.

The meeting also saw tense moments in races like Mukono North and Kalungu Woman MP, with some independents uneasy about pressure from party officials. Nevertheless, Kiryowa’s strong stance, insistence on respect, and unwavering loyalty to the party demonstrated the NRM’s continued dominance and influence in Buganda politics.