In a dramatic twist highlighting the high stakes of intra-party politics, Security Minister and Rujumbura County MP, Rtd Maj Gen Jim Katugugu Muhwezi, has solidified his political dominance in Rukungiri District after being elected unopposed as the new National Resistance Movement (NRM) District Chairperson.
Muhwezi’s uncontested victory came after the abrupt withdrawal of his main challenger, Gen Henry Tumukunde, who cited serious electoral irregularities. Tumukunde’s exit cleared the path for Muhwezi to tighten his grip on the district’s NRM structures ahead of the 2026 general elections.
A seasoned political strategist and long-standing ally of President Yoweri Museveni, Muhwezi gathered over 464 votes through the lining-up method. His supporters rallied behind him after Tumukunde and his camp boycotted the vote. What had been expected to be one of the most competitive races in the NRM’s internal calendar ended in a landslide.
“This victory is for the people of Rukungiri,” Muhwezi said in his acceptance speech. “We are going to consolidate the party’s support and eliminate confusion. My goal is to deliver a 90% vote share for the NRM in 2026.”
Tumukunde, a former security minister and current parliamentary hopeful for Rukungiri Municipality, claimed the election was compromised by irregularities. He specifically accused NRM District Registrar Jackson Mugarura whom he alleged to be an operative of the Internal Security Organization (ISO) of overseeing a partisan and unlawful process.
Citing Article 208(2) of the Constitution and the UPDF Act, Tumukunde argued that active security personnel should not participate in partisan politics. He described the election as unconstitutional and has since petitioned the NRM Electoral Commission for redress.
Despite admitting to his ISO affiliation, Mugarura defended the vote, insisting it was strictly an internal party matter, and proceeded as planned.
Tumukunde also alleged that several of his supporters were intimidated and abducted in the run-up to the election. He claimed some were later rescued from locations in Buyanja Town Council.
Muhwezi, however, dismissed these claims and instead accused Tumukunde of inciting violence. He referenced an incident at Buyanja Grammar Secondary School, where the local GISO, Dickens Bibyomuriwe, was reportedly injured and admitted to Rukungiri Police Health Centre III.
With Tumukunde sidelined, Muhwezi used the moment to call for unity within the party and declared full readiness for the national election season. His bold pledge to deliver 90% of Rukungiri’s vote for the NRM in 2026 signaled his confidence and deep rooted authority in the region, sending a clear message that the district is firmly under his influence.
Political analysts note that Muhwezi’s unchallenged rise not only strengthens his local stronghold but also enhances his standing within the broader NRM hierarchy.With control over the district’s grassroots, his role could be pivotal in shaping both parliamentary and presidential outcomes in the coming elections.
While internal disputes and accusations continue to swirl, one thing is clear; the political landscape of Rukungiri has been redrawn. At its centre stands Jim Muhwezi proof that in Ugandan politics, true power often lies not with the loudest voices but with those most deeply entrenched in the system.
