Opinion: The Just-Concluded NRM District Executive Elections – A True Reflection of NRM in Kasese

By Hason Mutunzi Bwambale

On May 23rd, 2025, Kasese District, like other districts across the country, convened its district conference at Kasese Multi-Purpose Hall in Kasese Municipality to elect the new District NRM Executive Committee and formally constitute the District NRM Council.

This election was highly anticipated, especially due to the fierce contest for the chairmanship between veteran politician Dr. Crispus Kiyonga and former Kasese Municipality MP and Ambassador to the DRC, Hon. James Mbahimba. Their rivalry stirred tension and uncertainty, casting a shadow over the campaigns and creating anxiety among other aspirants vying for various positions.

In the run-up to the elections, two visible coalitions emerged. Dr. Kiyonga teamed up with Kamalha Johnson, who was contesting for the Vice Chairperson position, and Kaheru Brian, who was eyeing the General Secretary role. On the other hand, Hon. Mbahimba formed an alliance with Kafuda Boaz and Sedress Kalengyo, his counterparts for Vice Chairperson and General Secretary respectively.

These alliances were clearly strategic, built on the belief that victory at the top would trickle down to secure the rest of the team’s positions. That strategy paid off—Mbahimba and his entire lineup swept all five available seats. Some observers have suggested this outcome was a well-orchestrated plan to overhaul the outgoing leadership. Of particular note is Kamalha Johnson, who many thought might gain sympathy from both sides but ended up being the biggest casualty of the shifting political tide.

The elected executives represent each of the district’s five constituencies: Chairperson Hon. James Mbahimba (Kasese Municipality), Kafuda Boaz (Busongora South), Sedress Kalengyo (Bukonzo West), Sibanza James (Busongora North), and Yunus Muhindo (Bukonzo East). This geographically balanced distribution of leadership signals an intention to unify the district under a single NRM vision.

Still, as the dust settles, some critics are urging the new executive to uphold impartiality and avoid the irregularities that tainted the 2020 NRM primaries. The real test of leadership lies ahead—whether this new team can prove itself a true representation of NRM’s promise in Kasese remains to be seen.