Political opposition groups in Kisoro District are preparing to leverage what they call growing tensions within the ruling National Resistance Movement –NRM as they gear up for the 2026 general elections.
Following what they describe as a deeply flawed and divisive internal party election process, opposition leaders believe the NRM’s internal challenges have created new opportunities for political change in the region.
Once seen as a political stronghold for the NRM, Kisoro has witnessed mounting discontent following the party’s internal primaries.
Allegations have emerged of widespread irregularities, including vote inflation, participation of ineligible voters, particularly students, and general misconduct at polling centers. As a result, many losing NRM aspirants have signaled their intention to contest in 2026 as independents, a move seen by critics as a sign of fractures within the party.
Albert Tugume, the district chairperson of the National Unity Platform -NUP, noted that internal divisions in the NRM have weakened the ruling party’s hold on Kisoro.
Tugume argued that the public is beginning to lose trust in party-affiliated candidates and is instead seeking leaders who are committed to real development and accountability.
Tugume said, “We are witnessing a turning point, the voters are no longer just following the NRM flag. They want real solutions, not political favoritism.”
CUE IN……………..TUGUME
Semahore Gordon, a coordinator for the People’s Front for Freedom in Kisoro, echoed similar views. He cited rising electoral violence and manipulation during the NRM primaries as evidence that the party is losing legitimacy not only locally but also across the country.
Semahore stated , “The people have seen the cracks in the system. What happened in Kisoro is not isolated. This is a national issue, and it gives the opposition a new platform”.
CUE IN………………SEMAHORE
Juliet Musanase, the Kisoro district chairperson of the Forum for Democratic Change -FDC, urged the affected NRM candidates who lost unfairly to contest as independents, saying the general elections offer a more transparent and credible process than the internal party mechanisms.
She also condemned the local NRM leadership for allegedly violating the rights of both voters and candidates during the party primaries.
CUE IN……………MUSANASE
However, Tumushime Emmanuel, a political analyst , acknowledged the reported irregularities but argued that such issues are common in internal party politics.
Tumushime expressed confidence, that the NRM would resolve its disputes internally through its tribunal systems and emerge stronger for the 2026 general elections.
Tumushime said “Divisionism within parties isn’t new, What matters is how the party handles its internal grievances. If managed well, this could actually reinforce party discipline and prepare NRM for a stronger campaign.”
Tumushime advised the NRM, to listen to concerns raised by its members and review the conduct of the recent elections to avoid a repeat in the upcoming national polls.
CUE IN………….TUMUSHIME
As the 2026 elections draw closer, Kisoro’s political landscape appears more uncertain than ever. What was once considered a guaranteed win for the ruling party may now become a contested battleground, as opposition parties sharpen their strategies and appeal to voters disillusioned with the status quo.
