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By Amos Tayebwa – Mbarara
A fresh storm is brewing within the National Resistance Movement (NRM) as tension mounts between official party flagbearers and NRM-leaning independents ahead of the 2026 general elections.
Mbarara City North MP Robert Mwesigwa Rukaari has come out strongly to defend his decision to run as an independent, accusing some senior NRM figures of intimidation and hypocrisy.
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Rukaari, who lost the recent NRM primaries to Christopher Bakashaba, claims the internal election was marred by irregularities and “organized by unprofessional people.” He insists his independent bid is not rebellion but an act of loyalty to the NRM cause.
“I am an NRM Cadre 17,” Rukaari declared. “Some of you joined the NRM yesterday and now you’re fighting us! We are the founders and true cadres who have supported this party selflessly over the years.”
Rukaari further accused some of the party’s current loud voices of lacking proper cadre training and acting out of self-interest.
“Those shouting against NRM-leaning independents are not trained cadres. They are self-seekers. The second-highest person in this country is an independent, appointed by the party chairman and president himself. Why can’t they learn from that?” he posed.
The legislator, who previously served as Chairman of the NRM Entrepreneurs League and member of the Central Executive Committee (CEC), said his long service and financial contribution to the party speak for themselves.
“I don’t play politics of rumor-mongering or malice. I lost the primaries, but I won’t abuse anyone. If I was cheated, I’ll handle it differently — the cadre way,” Rukaari noted.
He made the remarks during a press conference in Nkokonjeru, where he launched his campaign to “market and champion” the NRM revolution and President Yoweri Museveni’s 2026–2031 bid.
During the event, Rukaari distributed NRM-branded items including T-shirts, caps, posters, and banners to mobilize support for Museveni and his own candidature.
Rukaari’s comments come in the wake of warnings from top NRM leaders — including Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa — who have vowed to de-campaign NRM-leaning independents in the upcoming general election.
