Nakamya Rejects NRM Tribunal Outcome, Declares Independent Bid in Kawempe South

By Gad Masereka

The political contest in Kawempe South has taken on a new intensity after Hon. Fatia Nakamya, a former contestant in the NRM primaries, openly declared she would not rally behind the party’s flag bearer, Hajat Madina Nsereko Ntale.

Speaking at a press briefing in Kampala, Nakamya accused her rival of deepening cracks within the ruling party and leaving members in a state of confusion and mistrust. Her message was blunt and direct, describing the nomination of Madina as a source of turmoil that has left the NRM struggling to hold together in the constituency.

Nakamya, who lost out in the primaries, expressed dissatisfaction with the entire process, insisting that the vote was marred by irregularities and that her petition challenging the outcome was deliberately ignored.

She alleged that the tribunal tasked with resolving disputes brushed her concerns aside and that she has since lost faith in its ability to deliver justice. “We petitioned in good faith, but what we met was silence and secrecy. No one has told us the truth about where our file ended up. This kind of treatment discourages loyal party members and leaves them with no choice but to chart their own path,” she said.

The New Light Paper also learnt that Fatia is determined to detach from what it sees as a hijacked process. Nakamya told journalists that her supporters, once firm pillars of the NRM, now feel abandoned and persecuted, with some facing hostility for standing with her during the primaries.

She accused Madina of using her influence to intimidate opponents, a trend she warned could erode the party’s standing among ordinary voters. “What should have been a unifying moment has become a cycle of intimidation. We see leaders turning comrades into enemies, and this does not serve the vision of the chairman who has always preached unity,” she remarked.

Nakamya did not stop at pointing out flaws but also placed responsibility on the party’s top leadership. She urged President Museveni to personally intervene, saying only his hand could restore order and credibility in Kawempe South.

Without such action, she argued, many loyal cadres would desert the party and take the independent route, a scenario she described as dangerous for NRM’s fortunes in 2026.

The climax of her statement came with the announcement of her independent bid. Nakamya said she had resolved to contest as an independent in the next elections, declaring that her decision was motivated by the desire to give Kawempe South an alternative voice.

She cast her move as one of principle, aimed at protecting both her political career and the aspirations of her supporters who feel sidelined. “We shall not bow to manipulation. The people of Kawempe South deserve a fair contest, and I will be on the ballot to give them that chance,” she affirmed.

Her criticism extended beyond the election itself to questions of leadership style and public service. She faulted Madina for holding several offices while also seeking to join Parliament, arguing that such tendencies promote greed and alienate grassroots members. This, she said, paints a picture of leaders more concerned with consolidating personal power than opening space for broader participation.

The developments mark a turbulent moment for the ruling party in Kawempe South. Analysts note that if reconciliation is not pursued quickly, the bitterness could fracture support and hand opposition forces a stronger opening in an area where the NRM has already faced challenges.

For now, Nakamya’s defiance has not only reshaped the contest but also thrown a sharp spotlight on the internal struggles that continue to haunt the ruling party as it gears up for 2026.