Kiyonga hands over Kasese NRM leadership, slams election flaws

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Dr Crispus Kiyonga, the former National Resistance Movement (NRM) chairperson for Kasese district, has officially handed over office to his successor, James Mbahimba, a former Ugandan Ambassador to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The handover took place on May 30, 2025, at the Kasese district NRM headquarters located in Nyamwamba Division, Kasese Municipality.

This followed the district party elections held on May 23, 2025, in which Mbahimba emerged victorious with 948 votes. Kiyonga, who had held the position unopposed for nearly 40 years, garnered 519 votes, while Festo Kajura received just 4.

Speaking to New Vision on June 1, 2025, Kiyonga, who is also the Chancellor of Makerere University, criticised the election irregularities that marred the district NRM polls.

He cited alleged instances of bribery in broad daylight, sectarianism based on sub-regions within the district, and warned that such acts undermine the democratic values of the NRM.

"It is very critical that the re-emerging tendency to political hooliganism is avoided," Kiyonga said.

He congratulated the new leadership under Mbahimba for winning the elections and urged them to build on the foundation already laid, including comprehensive mobilisation to strengthen the party’s support across the district.

"The current Kasese LC5 chairperson and 70% of the district council are NRM, as well as 3 out of the 6 Members of Parliament," he noted.

New leadership speaks out

James Mbahimba, the newly elected NRM district chairperson, commended Dr Kiyonga for his unwavering dedication to the NRM over the past four decades. He described him as a political icon who has mentored many in Kasese and the country at large.

"Way back in the 1980s, you visited my school where you told people to love NRM, and that was the genesis of my political journey, just like many others," Mbahimba said.

"We want to assure you that we shall work tooth and nail to ensure that NRM continues to conquer Kasese," he added.

Boaz Kafuda, the district's newly elected NRM vice chairperson, appealed to Kiyonga to continue offering guidance, given his unmatched experience in party leadership.

Johnson Kamalha Kaylasa, the outgoing publicity secretary, urged the new district leadership to sacrifice themselves for the party and serve with dedication in order to elevate its influence further.