Mbarara’s Kingmaker: Prosper Tuhaise Joins CEC Race, Targets NRM’s Western Leadership After Landslide Victory

Prosper Tuhaise Karugarama’s political ascent has been nothing short of meteoric, marked by an unchallenged sweep from the grassroots to the district level as the newly elected NRM chairperson for Mbarara.

His unopposed victory speaks volumes about his influence in the region, a feat he attributes to years of grassroots engagement and philanthropy. Now, with his sights set on the NRM Central Executive Committee’s vice chairmanship for Western Uganda, Tuhaise is positioning himself as a formidable contender against incumbent Minister Chris Baryomunsi.

Tuhaise’s popularity stems from a combination of business acumen and social investment. As the founder of Bungabet, a betting company with a nationwide footprint, he has built an economic empire that employs hundreds.But it’s his educational initiatives that have endeared him to many.

From sponsoring primary school students to funding scholarships at institutions like St. Emmanuel Secondary School in Kitengure where half the student body benefits from his support, Tuhaise has woven himself into the fabric of Mbarara’s development.

“The man had magic,” said Tumuhimbise John, a local resident. “He’s been unopposed right from the village level. Anyone who tried to stand against him was just playing with fire.”

His victory celebration was as bold as his ambitions. Shortly after the results were declared, Tuhaise slaughtered 11 cows in a gesture of gratitude to his supporters, a move that underscored his deep ties to the community.

Now, as he shifts focus to the CEC race, he frames his campaign as a call to service rather than a power grab. “I am willing to serve Uganda at whatever level the voters place me,” he said.

The challenge ahead, however, is steep. Minister Baryomunsi, a seasoned political operator, won’t relinquish his seat without a fight. But Tuhaise’s grassroots momentum and financial muscle make him a disruptive force in NRM’s western stronghold, one that could reshape the party’s internal dynamics in the months to come.