2026 Battle: Kasolo Boasts NRM Strength As Kalangala Bazzukulu Vow To Send Museveni Back To State House

By Frank Kamuntu

The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) has declared Buganda a stronghold heading into the 2026 general elections, citing a wave of unopposed victories as proof of the opposition’s waning influence.

Addressing thousands of supporters at Kibanga Playgrounds in Kalangala Town Council on Sunday, NRM Vice Chairperson for Buganda and Minister of State for Microfinance, Hajji Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo, said the party’s strength in the sub-region had surpassed expectations.

“In Greater Buganda, over 60 LC5 councillors have already gone through unopposed. These are positions that do not require academic qualifications, so the opposition has no excuse. Their absence shows their lack of ground support,” Kasolo told the cheering crowd.

He detailed district-by-district figures, including 12 councillors and an LC5 chairperson in Sembabule, 11 in Rakai, 9 in Kalangala, 9 in Lyantonde, 8 in Kyotera, 5 in Bukomansimbi, 3 in Kalungu, 3 in Lwengo, and 2 in Masaka — a result he said reflects the NRM’s unmatched grassroots presence.

Kasolo urged residents to back President Yoweri Museveni and all NRM flag bearers, warning against independent candidates who “weaken the party’s support base.”

The minister also highlighted government interventions in Kalangala, pointing to free transport vessels linking Entebbe, Masaka, and Kalangala, and pledged to lobby for additional ships to ease island connectivity.

In a gesture of support, he contributed UGX 1 million to Ssese FC for the Masaza Cup and announced an additional UGX 5 million from the Buganda Parliamentary Caucus for the same cause.

Kasolo also appealed to security agencies to show leniency to boda boda riders and fishermen detained over minor offences, asking that their motorcycles and boats be released to allow them to continue earning a living.

Attorney General Kiryowa Kiwanuka, who officiated as chief guest, reassured residents that President Museveni had already directed security agencies to review such cases.

“Government’s aim is to support livelihoods, not frustrate them. Fishermen and boda boda riders involved in minor infractions will be released unconditionally, and their boats and motorcycles returned,” Kiwanuka said.

He also reminded residents that Parish Development Model funds had been doubled from UGX 100m to UGX 200m per parish and revealed that Power China had been contracted to tarmac one of the roads linking Kalangala to the mainland, with compensation already completed. A new power line from Masaka to Kalangala is also being developed to stabilise electricity supply.

Local NRM leaders echoed calls for unity and prioritised key district needs. Hon. Sunday Gerald Kayita urged government to complete the Nyendo–Bukakata road, build a ferry and bridge for Kyamuswa, and establish seed schools in remaining sub-counties. Agnes Lunkuse Mulwanya, NRM flag bearer for LC5 Chairperson, highlighted the lack of a functioning ambulance at the district hospital and called for doubling of women empowerment funds.

Former Woman MP Hon. Aidah Nabayiga rallied support for a tarmacked Masaka–Kalangala road, while Caroline Bulungi Nanyondo, NRM flag bearer for Kyamuswa Constituency, urged residents to abandon opposition politics if they want government attention.

“You cannot vote opposition and then expect them to present your problems to the ruling government,” Bulungi said.

The mobilisation rally was attended by senior leaders including Minister Kasolo, Attorney General Kiwanuka, Resident District Commissioners, MPs from Buganda, and top security officials, signalling NRM’s renewed push to consolidate its Buganda base ahead of the 2026 polls.

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