MBARARA, Uganda – Mbarara City North MP Hon. Robert Rukaari was on Sunday forced to abruptly leave an NRM meeting in Mbarara City after he was loudly challenged and heckled by party members.
The tension arose during a gathering addressed by top NRM leaders, who cautioned party structures against supporting independent candidates ahead of the 2026 elections. The message appeared to strike directly at Rukaari, who lost the recent NRM primaries to Chris Bakashaba.
According to eyewitnesses, murmurs began as Rukaari attempted to address the meeting, with some participants accusing him of holding divided loyalties and advising him to “respect party cohesion.”
The heckling intensified, prompting Rukaari to cut short his remarks and walk out of the meeting.
Party officials have not yet commented on the incident, but insiders say it reflects growing internal friction as the ruling party moves to enforce discipline and close ranks ahead of the next general election.
