Kiruhura District – In the wake of the 2026 presidential elections, one district has emerged as the undisputed “bedrock” of the National Resistance Movement (NRM). Kiruhura District’s staggering 99% victory margin for President YoweriKaguta Museveni is not just a statistical anomaly; it is being hailed as a masterclass in grassroots mobilization and a powerful testament to the President’s strategic trust in the youth.
A Historic Mandate
According to final data released by the Electoral Commission, Kiruhura’s overwhelming support was a significant factor in President Museveni’s national win of 7,946,772 votes (71.65%). While other regions showed varying degrees of competition, Kiruhura remained a fortress of stability and loyalty, outperforming every other district in the country.
The Nkesiga Factor: Youth at the Helm
At the center of this electoral triumph is Moses NkesigaKamusi, the NRM Chairperson for Kiruhura District. As the youngest chairperson in the NRM’s current administrative structure, Nkesiga has shattered the myth that the “old guard” alone can secure high-stakes victories.
His strategy was simple yet revolutionary: grassroots mobilization focused on the youngest generation of voters. “This win isn’t just a number; it’s a statement of trust from the youngest generation to the most experienced leader,” Nkesiga noted during a celebratory meeting of district party leaders.
Why They Voted: A Legacy of Transformation
Local leaders, including Wilson Kajwengye (Member of Parliament for Nyabushozi County and NRM Chairperson for Nyabushozi), attribute this success to the visible dividends of the NRM’s long-term vision.
• Economic Integration: Voters cited the transition from traditional pastoralism to modern, commercial dairy farming as a primary motivator.
• Infrastructure & Security: The peace and stability enjoyed over the last 40 years have allowed for the construction of roads, schools, and churches that have fundamentally changed the district’s landscape.
• Youth Programs: Initiatives like the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga, and the Youth Livelihood Programme were highlighted by Nkesiga as critical tools that provided the youth with a stake in the “money economy”.
Presidential Trust in the Next Generation
The Kiruhura results are being viewed as a “litmus paper” for the President’s decision to empower younger cadres. By placing a young leader like Nkesiga in a position of such high responsibility, President Museveni demonstrated a commitment to ensuring the continuity of the NRM ideology.
The district’s performance suggests that when the youth are given the mantle of leadership, they do not just participate—they excel. As the victory celebrations continue, Kiruhura stands as a beacon for other districts, proving that the future of the NRM lies in the synergy between the wisdom of the founders and the energy of the youth.
