Mukono NRM advised to shun infighting, safeguard party unity

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Maj. Gen. Henry Masiko, the chief political commissar of the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF), has urged members of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) to uphold peace and unity, saying it is vital for sustaining stability in the country.

Maj. Gen. Masiko made the call during prayers on January 18, 2026, at his home in Buyuki village, Nama sub-county, Mukono district. The prayers were attended by leaders from different religious denominations and were led by Bishop Samuel Lwandasa, the president of the Greater Mukono Inter-Faith Forum, which brings together various faiths across the greater Mukono area.

During his address, Masiko thanked the people of Mukono for the support they gave President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni in the recent presidential elections, noting that their votes contributed to his victory. He called on residents to remain peaceful, hardworking and focused on development.

Chief Political Commissar of Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Maj. Gen. Henry Masiko during the thnksgiving prayers at his residence in Mukono. (Photo by Eric Yiga)

“We ask all people of Mukono to maintain peace among yourselves, work hard to develop your households, and also ensure that we protect and utilise the remaining government facilities at the local level, because that is where funds and services meant to help ordinary citizens are found,” Masiko said.

Earlier, NRM supporters held a procession around Mukono district, led by the NRM district chairperson, Haruna Ssemakula, before concluding with prayers.

Bishop Lwandasa cautioned NRM members against internal conflicts and infighting, saying such divisions had contributed to setbacks and the loss of electoral victories in some areas. He urged party members to remain united and cooperative.

NRM supporters in Mukono district said the prayers were also intended to thank God for President Museveni’s victory and for removing obstacles that could hinder the party’s success in future elections.

Lt. Regean Muganza, who oversees mobilisation for peace at Mpoma Satellite Barracks, commended community leaders for ensuring peaceful elections, saying this had further strengthened stability in the area.

Haruna Ssemakula also thanked the people of Mukono for their continued support, noting that President Museveni received more votes in the district than in the previous election. He congratulated opposition members who won seats in Mukono district and cautioned NRM members against seeking votes through illegal means, warning that such practices often result in defeat.

Ssemakula further appealed to NRM legislators to end internal wrangling and instead focus on serving the people. He called on all elected leaders, including those from opposition parties, to work together for the development of Mukono district.

However, John Baptist Wamala Ssalongo, a chairperson in one of the NRM party structures in Mukono Municipality, criticised vote rigging, favouritism and bribery within the party, describing them as key reasons why NRM continues to lose elections in the district.

Other NRM leaders, led by NRM flag bearer for the Mukono district chairperson seat, Francis Lukooya Mukoome, welcomed the victory of the party’s national leader and outlined strategies aimed at securing success in the upcoming local government elections scheduled for Thursday.

On January 17, 2026, the Electoral Commission declared President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni of the NRM the winner of the presidential election with 71.65% of the votes, followed by the closest challenger, Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu of the National Unity Platform (NUP) with 24.72 per cent.

Despite the presidential results, NUP won all parliamentary seats in Mukono district, with victories by Betty Bakireke Nambooze, Abdallah Kiwanuka, Robert Maseruka, Sulaiman Kiwanuka and Sheila Amaniyo Draville.