Jim Muhwezi has revived NRM’s glory in Rukungiri District

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OPINION

By Arthur Tumwesigye

In the archives of Uganda's political history, few districts embody resilience and transformation like Rukungiri.

Once the cradle of opposition fervour, Rukungiri has bounced back under the coherent leadership of Hon. Maj. Gen. Jim Katugugu Muhwezi, reclaiming its rightful place as a stronghold of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and unwavering support for H.E. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.

This remarkable comeback is no accident; it is the fruit of pragmatic leadership, unyielding loyalty, and tangible government delivery that has restored hope and prosperity to the people.

Rukungiri's journey reflects the biblical promise in Psalm 126:5-6: "Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy. He who goes out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him."

For years, the district was dominated by divisive opposition leadership following the fallout between President Museveni and his former comrade, Col Dr Kizza Besigye, in the early 2000s.

Sons and daughters of Rukungiri, pioneers of the NRA bush war like Jim Muhwezi, Henry Tumukunde, Kashillingi, Samson Mande, Aronda Nyakairima, Benon Tumukunde, and Besigye himself, had once united under the liberation struggle. Yet, post-liberation, opposition winds from the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) swept through, turning Rukungiri into a stronghold of resistance against the NRM.

In the 2016 presidential elections, President Museveni secured only 48% in Rukungiri, a plain contrast to the national mandate. Opposition figures dominated: FDC's Fred Turyamuhweza defeated Muhwezi in Rujumbura, Roland Kaginda won Rukungiri Municipality, Betty Muzanira won as District Woman MP in a 2018 by-election, and later FDC’s Namanya Naboth won in Rubabo in 2021. Even the Municipality Mayor, Mzee Charles Makuru, an FDC stalwart who held office for nearly 30 years, symbolised entrenched opposition control.

Jim Muhwezi, the lone senior historical NRM figure, stood firm despite Rukungiri’s political turbulence. Despite losing his parliamentary seat in 2016 to an FDC’s Turyamuhweza, he remained loyal to President Museveni and the NRM cause, "the captain who does not abandon ship in the storm." Re-elected to Parliament in 2021, Muhwezi redoubled efforts as Minister of Security and Rukungiri NRM District Chairperson.

In 2025, he retained the NRM District Chairperson seat in a landslide victory, delivering a humiliating defeat to Lt Gen. Henry Tumukunde is proving his grassroots dominance and party loyalty.

Under Muhwezi's NRM Chairmanship, the tide turned decisively. By the 2026 general elections, President Museveni's support surged to a remarkable 80% in Rukungiri, up from 71% in 2021 and a dramatic leap from 2016's 48%. This victory mirrors the national triumph where Museveni secured 71.65% nationwide.

NRM swept all parliamentary seats: Jim Muhwezi retained Rujumbura with 25,007 votes; NRM candidate Mathias Rwabugumi claimed Rubabo, Lt Gen. Tumukunde took Municipality, and Hon Mary Paula Turyahikayo won the Woman MP slot.

The District Chairperson and Municipality Mayor positions flipped to NRM. A resounding 33 out of 36 district councillors now fly the NRM flag, while 95% of NRM party structures operate actively and robustly across the district.

This electoral renaissance stems from the government’s people-centred interventions spearheaded under President Museveni's visionary leadership, with Jim Muhwezi as the architect in Rukungiri.

Infrastructure transformation has been monumental: the 79km Rukungiri-Kihihi-Kanungu Road has improved connectivity; manifesto roads like Kabwohe-Kitagata-Kabura-Rukungiri, Nyakashongora-Kisizi-Kabale, and Mitooma-Kanshenshero-Ruhinda-Rukungiri are advancing rural access. The Kuwait sh7 billion Electricity extension program is underway, and once completed, it will illuminate homes and businesses, powering economic growth. Rwamahwa Hospital upgraded, health centres strengthened, and mega water projects like the Bugangari-Bwambara clean water initiative, awarded to China Harbour Engineering Company, deliver safe water to thousands.

Education thrives with secondary schools upgraded and a university established, opening doors for youth. The Parish Development Model (PDM) has improved household incomes: Rukungiri received over sh23 billion, transforming household incomes.

These are not mere promises but the gains of NRM's proven track record, security first, then roads, electricity, health, education, and wealth creation. As President Museveni often states, "NRM is the only vehicle for Uganda's steady progress."

In Rukungiri, Jim Muhwezi has steered that vehicle masterfully, mobilising structures, bridging divides, welcoming FDC supporters and their leaders back to the NRM, and demonstrating a clear ideology of the NRM.

Today, Rukungiri stands united, prosperous, and forward-looking, "the wheel that has turned full circle." Opposition strongholds have crumbled under the weight of results. Muhwezi's perseverance has slowly and steadily won the race.

The people of Rukungiri have spoken: NRM's glory is revived, brighter than ever. With Jim Muhwezi at the helm locally and H.E. President Museveni guiding nationally, the district marches confidently toward greater heights.

tumwesigyearthur1@gmail.com