By Charles Katabalwa,
KAMPALA
Retired Lt. Gen. Henry Tumukunde has been nominated as the National Resistance Movement (NRM) flag bearer for Rukungiri Municipality Member of Parliament, joining several senior leaders who have returned their nomination forms ahead of the 2026 general elections.
The former Security Minister becomes the latest high-profile entrant in the race, following the nomination of Vice President Jessica Alupo, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, Speaker of Parliament Anita Among, and her deputy Thomas Tayebwa.
Speaking shortly after picking his nomination forms at the NRM Electoral Commission offices, Tumukunde called for a national dialogue between President Yoweri Museveni and opposition figure Dr. Kizza Besigye to resolve longstanding political differences.
“Dialogue between President Museveni and Dr. Besigye could help create a more stable political environment, promote reconciliation, and heal past divisions,” Tumukunde said. “No one can really tell what went wrong between the two, but I believe it can be resolved if they talk.”
Dr. Besigye, a former presidential candidate and long-time Museveni rival, was arrested in Kenya last year and repatriated to Uganda. He is currently facing charges related to the alleged illegal possession of firearms.
Tumukunde also expressed his motivation for contesting the Rukungiri Municipality seat, citing the district’s historical significance in Uganda’s liberation struggle.
“I want to restore Rukungiri’s glory. If the NRM entrusts me with the party flag, I will directly engage the President on the key challenges facing our people—such as poor education, inadequate electricity, lack of piped water, agriculture issues, and poor healthcare,” he said. “Our people need to feel the impact of the Bush War legacy.”
Other NRM aspirants who returned nomination forms include Alinaitwe Jeniva Nalongo (Rubirizi District Woman MP), Patricia Francis Eiyo Elot (Moyo District Woman MP), Safari Christopher (Kinkizi West MP), and Steven Kangwagi (Bukanga County MP).
