Busia NRM supporters fight internal divisions, pledge unity to salvage victory
At a gathering, the cadres traced their disastrous 46.3% presidential vote share in 2021 to infighting, with one delegate saying, “there is no Opposition in Busia. The only problem is flag-bearers and supporters fighting one another and even soliciting votes for independents and rivals.”
National party treasurer Barbara Nekesa Oundo, presiding over the meeting, urged leaders who refuse to mobilise to resign. (Credit: Egessa Hajusu)
By Egessa Hajusu
Journalists @New Vision
BUSIA - Busia’s National Resistance Movement (NRM) cadres have cited internal division, not Opposition forces, as the greatest threat to their political dominance.
However, at a high-stakes mobilisation meeting at Budecho Primary School in Dabani sub-county, over 560 village representatives vowed to unite to garner a 99% victory in the 2026 General Election, calling internal strife the “disease killing their party.”
Confession
At a gathering, the cadres traced their disastrous 46.3% presidential vote share in 2021 to infighting, with one delegate saying, “there is no Opposition in Busia. The only problem is flag-bearers and supporters fighting one another and even soliciting votes for independents and rivals.”
A district leader added: “We must save our flag-bearers from using the flags as bedsheets. The only cure is unity.”
Strategies
The party in Busia unveiled a reform agenda to purge factionalism:
• End “camp politics” and security force interference in internal disputes.
• Rally independents and opposition voters back to the fold through door-to-door campaigns.
• Hold accountable technical staff sabotaging government programs.
• Cross-constituency solidarity: Flag bearers to campaign for colleagues outside their areas.
National party treasurer Barbara Nekesa Oundo, presiding over the meeting, urged leaders who refuse to mobilise to resign.
"What unites us is the survival of the regime. Start hunting votes with purpose—not division.”
Regional co-operation minister John Mulimba, also a flag-bearer, lambasted cadres for “timidity” in confronting the Opposition.
“We must reconcile from villages to the district. Fear only feeds our downfall.”
District chairperson Isaac Muwanguzi emphasised economic outreach. “We’ve prepared flag-bearers to root for increased household income, not just votes. This is about rebuilding trust.”
The meeting saw artistes, including Ronald Mayinja and Dr Andre, energising the crowd in a sea of yellow.