NRM Kayunga Rift Deepens Over Push to Endorse Karangwa's Brother As Successor

Divisions are widening within Uganda's ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) in Kayunga District. This follows a controversial move by a faction of party members to endorse Augustine Tumwine as their preferred successor to the late district chairperson Moses Karangwa Kaliisa. The position became vacant after Karangwa's death in a road accident on May 17, 2026.

District party officials have distanced themselves from the endorsement, insisting that no official election has been held. They argue that the process of filling the vacant position can only be initiated by the party's national leadership, in accordance with the NRM constitution. The controversy stems from a meeting reportedly convened by NRM supporters who agreed to front Tumwine, Karangwa's younger brother, as their candidate.

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The endorsement of Augustine Tumwine has no legal basis under the NRM constitution. We have clear procedures for filling vacancies, and no individual or group has the mandate to bypass those procedures.

However, district leaders assert that the gathering lacked the authority to elect or appoint a district chairperson. Jamada Kivumbi, the District NRM Registrar, dismissed claims of Tumwine's election, stating, "The endorsement of Augustine Tumwine has no legal basis under the NRM constitution. We have clear procedures for filling vacancies, and no individual or group has the mandate to bypass those procedures."

Kivumbi noted that several party members have expressed interest in the position and warned against attempts to predetermine the outcome. According to the NRM constitution, the district vice chairperson assumes office in an acting capacity until fresh elections are organized. David Kato, the district vice chairperson, is currently serving in this role and has urged party members to await official guidance from the NRM Secretariat.

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I did not convene any meeting to elect a district chairperson. The rightful process must be followed, and party members should wait for guidance from the National Secretariat.