By Mulengera Reporters
With the incumbent Godfrey Kiwanda going underground and becoming incommunicado, Minister Haruna Kasolo’s chances of becoming the NRM Vice Chairman for Buganda region seem to be increasing every passing day. Kasolo’s well simplified campaign message that seeks to reenergize, involve and have everybody engaged has been received with enthusiasm across the country.
There is Moses Karangwa, Hakim Kyeswa and a few others eyeing the same seat but Kasolo has so far distinguished himself as the front runner and indeed, the man to watch in the Buganda CEC race. A growing coalition is evolving and coalescing around his bid from across the country. He has become so formidable that even other candidates vying for other CEC positions elsewhere have found it hard to endorse or become associated with his opponents.
Especially money man Moses Karangwa had intended to create alliances and campaign jointly with some of the other CEC aspirants for other regions in order to amplify his messaging in other parts of Uganda but many of those he initially targeted have become cautious and fearful that doing such a thing could alienate them from sections of delegates amongst whom Kasolo enjoys profound popularity. This is the case not only in Kasolo’s native Buganda but in other parts of the country. This explains why many of the key players Karangwa was seeking endorsement from have opted to remain neutral as opposed to endorsing anyone.
Because momentum remains with Kasolo for the Buganda CEC position, key supporters of his opponents have found it hard to resist defecting to his camp and the latest to do so is Moses Tumwekwase, the very influential NRM cadre in Ankole and who was recently elected ruling party chairman for Mitooma district. Tumwekwase, who is expected to leverage his mobilization networks to deliver for Kasolo a block vote among delegates from Ankole, made official his defection on Thursday and was partly emboldened to defect by Kasambya County MP David Kabanda who is also Secretary General for vibe-filled PLU.
Being Gen MK’s, PLU has a countrywide presence and is popular especially among young people who are Museveni and NRM-inclined. Much of this PLU mobilization infrastructure is in the hands and under control of David Kabanda who, as SG, is only second to MK in the hierarchy of Patriotic League of Uganda.
Moses Tumwekwase, who had been a pillar in the Karangwa camp, says that he was persuaded by Kasolo’s track record as an effective loyal mobilizer of the President and the NRM yet he remains down-to-earth and full of humility at the same time. He had actually been the chief campaigner for Moses Karangwa Kariisa whose camp now must be in disarray as the candidate himself leaks his political wounds.
Moses Tumwekwase is widely respected for his deep grassroots networks and years of experience in political mobilization. He brings with him a wealth of organizational expertise, extensive community ties and a strong following that has been critical to previous political successes in NRM internal elections. His decision to realign his political allegiance comes at a time when the NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC) elections are entering a highly competitive phase, with candidates intensifying their outreach across districts.
Speaking to reporters, Tumwekwase explained his decision: “Leadership is about service, integrity and vision. As I engaged with different leaders and reflected on the future of our party and the region, I became convinced that Hon. Kasolo represents the leadership our people deserve — one that listens, unites and is committed to the NRM core values. This decision is not made lightly but with the conviction that together we can advance the party’s mission and better serve our communities.” In Kasolo, he sees an opportunity to solidify party unity while ensuring that Buganda region continues to play a leading role in Uganda’s development agenda.
Obviously elated, Haruna Kasolo welcomed the good news as follows: “Moses is not only an experienced mobilizer but also a leader who deeply understands the needs of our people. His joining our team reflects the growing confidence in our message of servant leadership, accountability and inclusivity. Together, we are building a movement within NRM that puts people first, strengthens our structures and prepares the party for the future.”
Kasolo’s bid for NRM CEC Vice Chairperson (Central Region) has been gaining ground steadily, drawing support from various districts, youth leaders, women groups and party structures eager for a leadership style that builds bridges while seeking to forge common ground to meet the needs and expectations of contemporary Uganda’s ordinary voter.
Moses Tumwekwase’s defection signals broader shifts within the Central Region’s political landscape. His departure from Moses Karangwa’s camp could influence other key figures and local mobilizers to follow suit, namely defecting in Kasolo’s favor, as the CEC race intensifies. This is how one political pundit characterized the defection: “This is more than a simple endorsement. It’s a signal that momentum is swinging towards Hon. Kasolo. When an individual with Moses’s grassroots reach and campaign management experience makes such a move, it sends ripples across the electorate and can serve as a catalyst for further consolidation within the party.”
All said and done, the NRM CEC Vice Chairperson position for Central Region remains one of the most highly contested and influential slots within the party’s top decision-making organ. With Moses Tumwekwase now on board, Kasolo’s camp believes it has added not just numbers but also organizational capabilities required to navigate the complex dynamics of the campaign in the remaining weeks.
The Kasolo campaign’s central message remains that of unity, grassroots empowerment and servant leadership and it, gratefully, has resonated widely well across the political terrain.
“We are not just running for positions. We are running to serve,” says an increasingly confident Haruna Kasolo who is already seeing plenty of light at the end of what has been a long tunnel. “The NRM must remain strong, united and deeply connected to its people. That is the leadership I envisage myself offering and that is the leadership we are building together.” (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
