By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
MITOOMA
Former National Resistance Movement (NRM) Chairperson for Mitooma District, Wilberforce Byaboneka, has urged residents to vote out non-performing leaders in both the upcoming NRM primaries and the 2026 general elections.
Byaboneka made the remarks on Saturday during the official opening of the NRM offices for Kabira Sub-County in Ruhinda South County, Mitooma District.
Addressing a large gathering, Byaboneka criticized incumbent Members of Parliament, Dononzio Mugabe Kahonda of Ruhinda South and Juliet Agasha Bashiisha, the District Woman MP — for failing to deliver on their promises and neglecting the needs of the electorate.
He particularly pointed out Nyakizinga Sub-county, describing it as being in a state of abandonment, with poor infrastructure and lacking electricity. He said the state of the sub-county was symbolic of the wider failure of current leaders to effectively serve the people of Mitooma.
“The people of Mitooma deserve leaders who prioritize public service over personal interests,” Byaboneka said.
“Vote out all those leaders who have failed to serve you. Hon. Juliet Agasha Bashiisha and Hon. Kahonda should not be given another term, they must go.”
In response, MP Kahonda, who was present at the event, defended himself, stating that the NRM’s core values include unity and cooperation. He accused Byaboneka of making divisive remarks that undermine party cohesion.
However, sections of the crowd interrupted Kahonda’s remarks, chanting in protest and expressing frustration over what they called his “unfulfilled promises.”
The newly inaugurated Kabira Sub-County NRM Office is the initiative of the recently elected NRM LC3 Chairperson for Kabira, Jackson Nuwamanya. In his speech, Nuwamanya called on the NRM to prioritize youth participation in leadership and stop sidelining young people.
“Youth are capable and willing to serve their country. The party must open up more space for them,” he said.
Nuwamanya also encouraged parents to support their children’s education and talents as a pathway to a better future.
Meanwhile, Mitooma Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Ambrose Kibuuka, cautioned leaders against engaging in divisive politics. While acknowledging Byaboneka’s past leadership, he urged him to be a unifying figure.
“I respect the former district chairperson, but as a senior leader, he should lead by example and avoid statements that divide our people,” Kibuuka said.
The RDC also condemned rising sectarianism in Mitooma. He cited an incident at Kabira Technical Institute, where he alleged his son was denied a chance to contest for the guild presidency due to religious discrimination. According to Kibuuka, the school administration asked him to persuade his son to convert to the Anglican faith before he could be considered for the position.
“Sectarianism is a serious threat to development. We must all work together to eliminate it from our institutions,” he warned.
