Kigongo rallies Jinja independents to unite behind NRM flagbearers

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National Resistance Movement (NRM) national vice chairperson Moses Kigongo has called on all NRM-leaning independents in Jinja city to withdraw from next year’s general elections in favour of official party flagbearers.

Speaking during a meeting with NRM village chairpersons at Buwekula village in Jinja Northern Division on November 8, 2025, Kigongo said stepping down would help consolidate the party’s strength and ensure a resounding victory in the Busoga sub-region.

“I know there were some irregularities in the primaries, but we need to look to the future. When you stand as independents, you destroy your own party and perhaps Uganda at large. Let’s learn to forgive and forget,” he urged.

Alhaji Kigongo acknowledged that the primaries had challenges but stressed that unity was more important than lingering divisions. He reminded members that the NRM constitution does not recognise independent candidates and that only officially endorsed flagbearers would receive full party backing.

He also delivered a message from President Yoweri Museveni, urging all members to rally behind NRM candidates at every level.

“The President sent me to tell you that he wants only party flagbearers to win this time round. I encourage you to campaign for the NRM Presidential candidate to ensure a massive victory in Busoga,” he said.

Mirembe steps down

During the meeting, Kigongo praised Aminah Mirembe, the NRM Jinja Northern Division publicity secretary, for withdrawing from the Mafubira Northern Division councillor race in favour of the party’s endorsed candidate.

“I had withdrawn from the race sometime back, but this wasn't in public, and when I heard that the NRM first national vice chairperson was in the area, I decided to use this opportunity to make my decision public,” Mirembe announced to the gathering.

Kigongo urged other members to emulate her and resolve disputes within party structures rather than run as independents.

“We are all members of the same family. Let’s resolve our differences internally and move forward as one NRM,” he said.

Call for unity and service

Special presidential assistant on press and mobilisation, Faruk Kirunda, who also attended the meeting, echoed the call for unity, urging residents to vote for President Museveni and other NRM flagbearers to benefit from better service delivery.

He said the poor voting patterns in the last election, which saw opposition MPs dominate Jinja City, limited the area’s influence at the national level.

“This was a bad decision, that is why we, the people of Jinja city, had no voice and limited opportunities at the centre,” he said.

Kirunda also addressed concerns about delays in the construction of Ambercourt and Mbulambuti roads, blaming the holdup on individuals demanding exorbitant compensation after purchasing land near the projects. He assured residents that work on the roads would soon resume.