NRM vs NRM SHOWDOWN! Independent’s fever rocks Mbarara, MP Primaries loser Bataringaya fumes as Mbarara NRM chair tries to throw him out of party structure

By Amos Tayebwa | Mbarara

Political temperatures in Mbarara District have hit boiling point after Kashari North MP Basil Bataringaya Rwankwene alias Omwonyo locked horns with Mbarara District NRM Chairman Prosper Tuhaise Kururagire — warning him to keep off his position in the NRM structures.

Bataringaya, who also doubles as NRM Vice Chairman for Rubindi Sub-county, went bare knuckles after Tuhaise threatened to fire him from the post, accusing him of turning “rebel” after deciding to contest as an independent candidate in the 2026 general elections.

But the fiery MP shot back:

“Tuhaise has no powers to sack me! He is not the one who voted me into that position — the people did. Only they can remove me.”

The fallout started after Bataringaya lost the NRM primaries to Patrick Musinguzi, whom he accused of benefiting from rigging and irregularities. Feeling cheated, Omwonyo announced he would run as an independent, a move that angered NRM district bosses who branded him a betrayer.

“Some leaders used party structures to rig elections for their friends,” Bataringaya claimed. “I chose to stand as independent to fight that injustice — not the party itself.”

While addressing his supporters during his new campaign trail this week, Bataringaya said he remains a loyal NRM member, warning Tuhaise and his clique to stop intimidating “NRM-leaning independents.”

“Whether I stand as independent or not, I’m still NRM. These people should stop fighting us and instead focus on how to grow the party,” he fired.

He also revealed that his supporters have already warned Tuhaise against “talking irresponsibly,” threatening to vote him out as district chairman.

Bataringaya — who also serves as NRM Regional Whip and Chairman of the Ankole Parliamentary Caucus — insisted that running independently doesn’t make him an enemy of the party.

“I’m only opposing those who rigged our votes. My loyal people know the truth and will vote me back to Parliament,” he said confidently.

The MP kicked off his official campaign on Monday, touring Kariro and Rwamuhigi parishes in Kashari North. He urged voters to choose “leaders they know and trust, not strangers chasing self-interest.”

Bataringaya is currently serving his first term in Parliament, having previously been a district councilor and finance secretary in Mbarara District.

About Post Author