Kibuku NRM flag-bearers warn against sectarian politics

National Resistance Movement (NRM) parliamentary aspirants in Kibuku district have appealed to their rivals to abandon politics of sectarianism and smear campaigns, warning that such practices undermine unity and stall development in Bugwere subregion.

The call was led by Kabweri County candidate Patrick Godfrey Wakida, while addressing separate campaign rallies across the constituency. 

Wakida said recent campaign activities by some candidates had degenerated into platforms for trading accusations and making divisive statements based on identity.

According to Wakida, sectarianism anchored on tribe, religion, ethnicity, or gender has repeatedly hurt Kibuku’s progress.

He noted that the trend has been evident in campaign speeches, constituency engagements and media appearances, prompting his consistent call for restraint and issue-based politics. 

Wakida argued that “sectarian politics” is a major contributor to Kibuku’s underdevelopment and has previously fuelled instability in Bugwere, including violent conflicts.

He described sectarianism as a “poisonous ideology” and “satanic”, urging political actors to reject it in favour of inclusive leadership.

He challenged his opponents to prioritise what he termed the “politics of development based on human needs, saying the district’s transformation depends on unity and a shared focus on socio-economic progress, rather than narrow interests. 

“The President’s message is directed at politicians, public servants, religious leaders, the media and the general populace to promote national unity and an NRM ideology based on patriotism and Pan-Africanism,” Wakida said. 

Suubi Damba, the NRM flagbearer for Woman MP for Kibuku district, reinforced Wakida’s message, warning that sectarianism is not only morally wrong, but also illegal. 

“Promoting sectarianism is an offence under the Penal Code Act in Uganda and those found guilty can face imprisonment,” Damba said.

The leaders said their appeal was part of a broader call for political maturity, urging candidates to focus on policy alternatives and development priorities instead of personal attacks or group-based hostility. 

However, Minister of State for Bunyoro Affairs Jennifer Namuyangu, who is contesting for the same seat after representing the area for the last 39 years, dismissed claims that she engages in abusive language or sectarian politics. 

“Unfortunately, my opponents have deployed social media influencers to defame me and make false accusations against me,” Namuyangu said. Beyond campaign conduct, Wakida also used the platform to call on government to support financially struggling cotton investors in the Bugwere sub-region. 

“Unlocking affordable finance is crucial for the capital-intensive nature of the cotton and textile business, with high costs for setting up modern ginneries and processing facilities,” Wakida added. 

The Government, through the Uganda Cotton Development Organisation and partners, such as Msingi East Africa, has rolled out strategies to revive the sector. These include encouraging local value addition and offering incentives such as tax holidays on imported agro-processing machinery. 

The African Development Bank has also approved grants to support the cotton value chain in northern Uganda.

Damba pointed out that unreliable electricity, poor road networks and inefficient logistics systems remain major constraints to industrial growth, including cotton processing. 

“The industry faces challenges from imported synthetic fabrics and a lack of aligned regional policies, such as a robust common external tariff, to protect local producers,” he said.