Hon. Andrew Baryayanga Aja, former Kabale Municipality MP, has announced his candidacy for the NRM Party Chairmanship in Kabale District, positioning himself as the unopposed candidate. Aja made this declaration on November 10, 2024, during a fundraising ceremony at Kitigime C.O.U Parish, aimed at paying off a loan incurred to purchase a residential house for the parish priest of Kitigime C.O.U.
The event also marked the celebration of 6 years of existence for Kitigime Parish in Kirigime Ward, Southern Division, Kabale Municipality.
Aja expressed concerns about the current state of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) in Kabale, citing internal divisions and weak leadership that have eroded the party’s dominant position. He aims to revive NRM and ensure that all constituencies in Kabale Municipality, Ndorwa West, and Ndorwa East are represented by NRM MPs in Parliament.
Aja’s roots in the NRM run deep, with his late father, Stephen Baryayanga, being a significant figure in the Uganda Patriotic Movement (UPM), which later evolved into the NRM under President Yoweri Museveni. Influential mobilizers such as Hon. Ruhakana Rugunda and Hon. Amama Mbabazi also played a major role in UPM’s growth in the Kigezi region.
Aja’s challenge is directed at Hon. David Bahati, who has held the NRM chairmanship in Kabale for two terms. This contest is expected to be highly competitive, given the popularity and resources of both candidates.
Aja aims to restore NRM’s lost glory, contrasting his vision with the current situation, where Bahati is reportedly threatening those who intend to contest for his seat as MP.
