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Amos Tayebwa |Mbarara
The political camp of Kashari North NRM flag bearer Patrick Musinguzi, popularly known as Akoki, is showing signs of weakening after a wave of his loyal supporters defected to back incumbent Member of Parliament Basil Bataringaya Rwankwene, alias Omwonyo, ahead of the 2026 general elections.
The defections have been reported in several areas where Bataringaya has been holding campaign rallies. The most significant crossover occurred on Monday, December 22, 2025, in Nsiika Parish, Kagongi Sub-county, where more than 70 staunch supporters of Musinguzi publicly declared their allegiance to Bataringaya during a campaign meeting.
A similar incident was earlier witnessed in Bwengure Parish, also in Kagongi Sub-county, where additional supporters from Musinguzi’s camp crossed over to support the incumbent MP.
Some of the defectors said they were misled during the previous NRM party primary elections and only later realised the extent of Bataringaya’s service delivery in the constituency. One defector from Kibega Trading Centre in Nsiika Parish said he voted against Bataringaya in the primaries after being persuaded to support a new candidate, but has since reconsidered after assessing the incumbent’s performance.
Another defector from Akanago Cell in Nsiika Parish said political misunderstandings between him and Bataringaya had previously pushed him into opposition, but those differences have since been resolved, prompting his decision to support the MP in the 2026 polls.
Bataringaya, who is contesting as an NRM-leaning independent using the chair symbol, reiterated that the NRM primary elections were marred by irregularities that cost him the party flag. He claimed that some supporters were compromised and manipulated to vote against him, but noted that many have since “seen the light” and are returning to his camp after reviewing his record.
“I am a worker. The services I have delivered in the four years I have spent in Parliament are visible. People are joining me because they understand my capacity as a leader,” Bataringaya said.
“If re-elected, I will double my service delivery. Electricity and water extension remain key priorities on my manifesto.”
Addressing controversy surrounding an ambulance he previously acquired for the constituency, Bataringaya accused his opponent of spreading misinformation.
“My opponent has continuously campaigned against me over the ambulance, claiming I lent it to Hon. Mwijukye of Buhweju. That is false,” he said.
“The ambulance developed mechanical problems and is parked at my farm in Nsiika. When that happened, I offered my own private double-cabin vehicle to serve the same purpose.”
He added that his private vehicle was recently deployed following a fatal accident on the Buhweju–Mbarara road, where it transported bodies of victims—many of whom were residents of Kashari North—to their homes.
“We do these things using our own money, out of generosity and commitment to our people. I call upon my opponent to stop spreading falsehoods and instead focus on what he intends to offer the people,” Bataringaya said.
