By Frank Kamuntu
A political standoff that threatened to split the National Resistance Movement (NRM) in Buikwe District has finally been resolved. The two senior figures at the center of the rift Hon. Diana Mutasingwa, the State Minister and Woman MP, and Mr. Charles Kalangwa, the District NRM Chairperson have officially reconciled.
The breakthrough, mediated by NRM Vice Chairman for Buganda, Haruna Kasolo, signals a new chapter of unity for the party, which hopes to reclaim constituencies it lost to the opposition in the last election.
How The Rift Began
The trouble started during the party’s internal elections. Minister Mutasingwa publicly supported Mr. Kalangwa’s opponent, Njeru Mayor Kyazze (commonly known as Sitya Loss). When Kalangwa won the chairmanship, the political disagreement didn’t end there.
Instead of fading, the tension solidified, creating two distinct camps within the Buikwe NRM: one loyal to Mutasingwa and another to Kalangwa. This division forced other party flag bearers to pick sides, creating a fractured and weakened party base ahead of the coming elections.
The Road To Reconciliation
Recognizing the danger, Haruna Kasolo stepped in. The healing process began yesterday with a meeting at the Nile Hotel in Njeru, where grievances were aired. The momentum continued today in Kampala with a larger, more significant gathering.
This key meeting brought together the main protagonists Mutasingwa and Kalangwa alongside major NRM flag bearers, including Isaac Sozzi (Lugazi Municipality), Kabuye Badru (Njeru Municipality), David Mutebi (Buikwe South), and the very man at the center of the original dispute, Mayor Kyazze Yasin.
In a show of unity, all parties agreed to forgive past grievances and focus on a common goal: winning for the NRM.
“The party’s interests outweigh our personal interests,” stated Minister Mutasingwa, setting the tone for the new alliance. “We need to put our differences aside. We need the NRM to win all positions in Buikwe, and today marks a new chapter.”
Mediator Haruna Kasolo thanked the leaders for their willingness to reconcile. He pledged the party’s support for their mobilization activities, ensuring the united front has the resources to succeed.
Why This Matters Now
The reconciliation is a significant strategic move. In 2016, the NRM held all three constituencies and the woman MP seat in Buikwe. However, a strong opposition wave in the last election saw the party lose three of those four positions; only Diana Mutasingwa managed to retain her seat.
With the NRM now closing ranks and the opposition appearing divided, political analysts suggest that Buikwe, like many parts of Buganda, could be ripe for an NRM comeback. The party is betting that this newfound unity is the key to reclaiming the district.
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