By Aggrey BabaWhen a big tree falls in the forest, even ants come with pangas. That’s exactly what’s happening in the NRM, to some of former ministers who are refusing to move on after losing their positions.
Recent events have shown that voters are not in the mood to entertain ex-leaders who overstay their political welcome.
In Rukiga District, things turned sour for former state minister for labour, Herbert Kabafunzaki, during a joint campaign rally organised by the district NRM office ahead of the July 17 party primaries. Held at Nyakasiru Primary School, the rally attracted hundreds of mobilisers and supporters ready to hear from the new aspirants.
When one of the aspirants invited Kabafunzaki to say a few words, the crowd quickly made it clear that he was not welcome. As soon as the ex-minister stepped forward to speak, loud boos and heckling filled the air. Some people waved their hands in protest, while others turned their backs to demonstrate their resentment towards the former Minister whose knifing was preceded by involvement in extortionist fracas which saw him intercepted by security detectives at Serena Hotel where he had gone to pick Shs5m.
Kabafunzaki tried to calm the crowd, begging for a moment to speak, but the shouting only grew louder. Locals accused him of making empty promises during his time in office and only showing up when elections approached.
The chaos forced Rukiga district NRM registrar, Twaha Serubowa, to step in and stop the rally for a moment, reminding the gathering that the joint campaigns were meant for current aspirants, not former leaders looking to jump back into the limelight. The registra then asked Kabafunzaki to leave the stage and allowed Kanuga to continue.
After the incident, Kabafunzaki defended himself, saying he was free to support any candidate democratically. However, the message from the people was loud and clear, that he was no longer wanted on the stage.
In Bugangaizi West, former minister Dr. Kasirivu Atwooki decided to quietly step aside and not contest again, clearing way for the current State Minister for Transport, Fred Byamukama, who is now unopposed in Kakumiro district’s party primaries.
Atwooki, once a strong Museveni footsoldier and one of the president’s model farmers, seems to have read the mood and chosen to leave politics while still respected.
Meanwhile, in Kasese District, another former heavyweight, Dr. Crispus Kiyonga, also found himself out of place. While seeking the NRM flag for Bukonzo West, Kiyonga refused to take part in the official joint campaign rallies, choosing to do door-to-door campaigns. The former minister’s absence at several rallies was not taken for granted.
One of his opponents, Godfrey Kabbyanga, openly questioned Kiyonga’s commitment, suggesting that he had not recovered from his past election defeats in 2016 and 2021. Kabbyanga blamed NRM’s repeated loss in Bukonzo West on weak candidates and said the party now needed fresh energy to reclaim the seat from the opposition.
Kiyonga later said he would not withdraw from the race but promised to support whoever wins the yellow flag. Still, some in the district say his lack of public presence shows that he may no longer have the same influence he once did.
From voters booing Kabafunzaki, to Atwooki’s silent exit, to Kiyonga’s fading presence, one thing is clear, that Ugandans are no longer kind to former ministers who refuse to let go, and that the public wants new energy, fresh faces, and leaders who connect with their daily struggles.
Those clinging to old titles without new ideas may be in for a rude awakening this season, since the voters have spoken and this time, they’re not mincing their words. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
