Opinion: Why Crusaders of Regionalism Politics Are a Threat to a Growing Democracy

By Hason Mutunzi Bwambale 

At the tail end of the Kasese District Conference elections, a concerning trend emerged — persistent accusations, particularly from those who lost, claiming that the voting patterns were heavily inclined toward regional or bloc-based allegiances. This narrative gained traction especially after Dr. Crispus Kiyonga suffered a significant defeat to the relatively new entrant, Amb. Mbahimba James.

These claims have stirred debates, with some alleging that people from certain regions, particularly Busongora, voted en masse in a calculated regional alliance. This, they claim, undermines the principles of fair representation. However, this perspective is not only misleading but also dangerous for the cohesion and democratic maturity of both the NRM and the district at large.

To begin with, this notion of regional bias fails to acknowledge a critical development: for the first time in recent political history, the newly elected District Executive Committee (DEC) represents all five constituencies of Kasese — a balanced and inclusive distribution of leadership. This is a remarkable achievement in power-sharing and reflects a genuine attempt at political equity and inclusiveness.

In fact, inclusivity took an even greater stride with the election of Hon. Kafuda Boaz — widely regarded as a representative of the minority communities in Kasese. His victory is a testament to the district’s openness and political maturity. Rather than being applauded, however, this milestone is being overshadowed by a chorus of dissent rooted in outdated regional rivalries and personal disappointments.

Those sounding the alarm over supposed regional voting forget too easily the historical context of leadership distribution in Kasese. At one point, the District NRM Chairperson, Dr. Crispus Kiyonga, hailed from the western part of the district. The Woman MP position was held by Mama Loice Bwambale and later by Hon. Winnie Kiiza, both from the Bukonzo counties. The District Chairperson also came from Bukonzo. Despite this concentrated leadership in one region, there is no documented evidence that residents of Busongora raised any complaints about marginalization or unfair representation. That silence was not weakness — it was a show of political tolerance and maturity.

It must be understood that politics, like the seasons, changes. Leadership rotates as democracy matures. Therefore, trading accusations against the people of Busongora, merely because the tide turned in their favor this time, is not only unfair but also hypocritical.

Moreover, advancing a narrative that vilifies regions or communities for how they vote undermines the very essence of democracy — freedom of choice. People vote for leaders they believe in, not necessarily for those from their ethnic or geographical backgrounds. To assume otherwise is to reduce the voter to a tribal statistic, devoid of political consciousness or individual judgment.

What Kasese, and indeed Uganda at large, needs are leaders who can rise above petty regionalism and instead focus on issues — leaders who present real, actionable solutions to our pressing socio-economic challenges. As we approach the NRM Primaries, our attention should shift from where candidates come from to what they stand for. Let us challenge them on policy, vision, inclusiveness, track record, and capacity to deliver.

Let us reject those whose only political capital is to sow seeds of division. Regional crusaders, who attempt to pit one community against another, are the real threat to democracy. Their presence corrodes unity, stifles development, and stalls political growth.

Kasese has made tremendous progress, but we must remain vigilant. The future demands leaders who are not defined by their village or clan, but by their ideas and integrity. Let democracy thrive — not by silencing regions, but by celebrating diversity and merit.