NRM elections: Party electoral body summons Gen. Katirima, minister Kawoya
NRM EC chairperson Dr Tanga Odoi announced the suspension and called for a meeting on May 26 to mediate between the warring camps.
Health state minister Hanifa Kawoya with Maj. Gen. (rtd) Phinehas Katirima during elections last week.
By Dismus Buregeya
Journalists @New Vision
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The National Resistance Movement (NRM) party's electoral commission (EC) has summoned rival factions in Ssembabule district to address a chaotic leadership contest between Maj. Gen. (rtd) Phinehas Katirima and health state minister Hanifa Kawoya.
The exit of district party chairperson Sam Kutesa has sparked a prolonged crisis, leading to the suspension of the party's internal elections on May 23, 2025.
NRM EC chairperson Dr Tanga Odoi announced the suspension and called for a meeting on May 26 to mediate between the warring camps.
Those summoned include Katirima, Kawoya, Ssembabule Woman MP Mary Begumisa, Mawogola North MP Shartsi Kutesa, Lwemiyaga MP Theodore Ssekikubo, Gen.(rtd) Emmanuel Rwashande and district party EC authorities like George William Katokozi.
Kawoya abandons election
The crisis intensified after Katirima declared victory, claiming 380 votes out of 631 eligible voters and urged Kawoya to concede defeat.
“My opponent is fabricating excuses, including a stomach ache. She fears humiliation. I will crush her again if elections are repeated,” he said.
Katirima’s camp has already endorsed a slate of candidates, including President Museveni’s brother, Godfrey Aine Kaguta, for deputy chairperson.
Kawoya, however, attributed her withdrawal to ill health, claiming she was shoved by the Police during a scuffle at the polling venue.
“I had to seek medical attention. The NRM is my child—I cannot abandon it,” she said.
NRM EC commissioner ambassador James Kinobe dismissed her claims, insisting she could still vote remotely.
“Your supporters are present. Go to the hospital and return—your votes will remain valid,” he said.
The district party EC has requested heightened security ahead of a potential rerun, citing fears of escalating tensions. Meanwhile, outgoing chairperson Sam Kutesa returned from Germany to facilitate dialogue.
The saga underscores deepening internal fractures within the NRM, with the May 26 meeting poised to determine whether reconciliation or further turmoil lies ahead for Ssembabule’s party leadership.