OPINION | Debunking the “Busongora Agenda” Myth: A Call for Sobriety and Party Cohesion

By Hason Mutunzi Bwambale

In the wake of the recent NRM structure  elections in  Kasese District, a dangerous narrative has begun to take root—a narrative that threatens to divide the party from within. Following the defeat of Hon. Dr. Chrispus Kiyonga, some voices—mainly from factions sympathetic to the losing camp—have been actively propagating the idea of a so-called “Busongora Agenda.”

This idea alleges a covert plan by political figures from Busongora County to dominate district leadership and marginalize other regions. While this rhetoric may appeal to emotions, it falls flat in the face of facts and logic. It is both baseless and toxic, and if left unchallenged, it could erode the very foundation of unity that the National Resistance Movement (NRM) stands on.

For something to be deemed an “agenda,” it must involve a deliberate and coordinated effort toward achieving a specific objective. In this case, the accusation is that Busongora-based politicians are scheming to take over district leadership roles. But what evidence exists to support this claim? None.

The mere fact that individuals from Busongora have expressed interest in political office does not, in itself, constitute a conspiracy. Uganda’s democratic space—and that of the NRM party—guarantees every citizen the right to contest for leadership, regardless of their place of origin.

This is not an “agenda.” It is democracy in action.

At the center of this smear campaign is Hon. Godfrey Kabbyanga Kiime Baluku, State Minister for ICT and aspiring Member of Parliament for Bukonzo West. He has been the subject of numerous unfounded accusations, particularly claims that he is “sponsoring” certain candidates to undermine others.

Let us interrogate this with facts:

• Mr. Muhindi Eliphaz Bukombi, the incumbent District Chairperson and the NRM flag bearer in the 2021 general elections, has offered himself again. His right to contest cannot be denied. To accuse him of being a “project” of Minister Kiime simply because he is running again is an affront to both personal agency and political logic.
• Hon. Sarah Ithungu Baleke, the party’s 2021 flag bearer, is also seeking re-election as the Party’s flag Bearer. Again, there is no law—or party rule—that prohibits her from defending her flag. Casting suspicion over her candidature based on associations or origin is irresponsible.

These accusations are neither factual nor innocent. They appear to be calculated political maneuvers aimed at discrediting credible leaders and fanning tribal sentiment for political gain.

The danger of this narrative lies in its ability to undermine party cohesion and distract us from our common goals. By stoking suspicion based on regional lines, those advancing this myth are unknowingly—or perhaps knowingly—playing into the hands of the opposition.

The NRM’s historical strength has always come from its ability to unite people across ethnic, regional, and religious boundaries. This strength is what has kept the Movement resilient and dominant in national politics. To now turn against each other within the party, based on vague and unsubstantiated claims, is to betray that very legacy.

As we approach the 2026 general elections, the stakes are high. Our focus should be on consolidating support, mobilizing communities, strengthening our grassroots networks, and preparing for national victory. Internal democracy must be respected, and all party members must be allowed to contest and express their ambitions without being labeled conspirators.

It is especially important that we reject the weaponization of tribal or regional identity within party contests. This kind of politics belongs to the past. We need a new kind of leadership—one that elevates issues, not ethnicity; one that unites, not divides.

The so-called “Busongora Agenda” is a dangerous fabrication with no basis in fact. It is a narrative rooted in political bitterness and desperation. If we are not careful, it will cost us dearly—not just in the upcoming elections, but in the broader project of building a united and progressive Kasese under the banner of the NRM.

Let us remember: we are one party, one people, one vision. And we must stand together, not just for our individual ambitions, but for the collective good of our district and country.