Government spokesperson Ofwono Opondo harshly criticized the National Resistance Movement after their big loss in the Kawempe North parliamentary election. He blamed the ruling party's defeat on its disconnect from regular Ugandans, its arrogance, and poor management. Writing for media outlets, Opondo described NRM's campaign as pointless and said it lost touch with everyday supporters and basic common sense.
He mentioned how the late MP Muhammad Ssegirinya built a strong reputation, and even after his death, people honored him by rejecting NRM candidates. Opondo pointed out that NRM keeps losing badly in Kampala, calling the capital city their impossible challenge. Despite having many seats in Parliament, the party has failed to build support in urban areas.
Opondo criticized having many officials working on different goals during the campaign. He questioned why NRM treated this election as life-or-death when the seat would last just seven months before the general election. His analysis appeared in the New Vision newspaper days after President Museveni announced criminal investigations into election problems like ballot stuffing and voter intimidation.
Museveni warned that anyone breaking election laws would face consequences. He said We shall hold everybody accountable. The president mentioned specific areas where ballot boxes were reportedly destroyed and said someone was caught with 18 ballot papers. NUP candidate Luyimbazi Elias Nalukoola won decisively with 17,764 votes, more than double his closest rival. NRM candidate Faridah Nambi Kigongo finished second with 8,593 votes.
Opondo accused the party of leaving behind its progressive foundations for bribery, force, and political violence. He said these methods hurt them politically. With many young people unemployed or having unfulfilled expectations, Opondo warned NRM problems will continue if they maintain their current approach and sense of entitlement. He stated directly that NRM has become unpopular.
He advised party leaders to stop heavy-handed methods and embrace people-centered politics instead. Opondo said NRM must return to creative political work and deliver good services to most Ugandans. He expressed shock at seeing heavily armed police and military during voting. He suggested NRM should accept responsibility rather than blame others or go to court.
Opondo's honest assessment surprised political observers. Many see his comments as a warning to the ruling party before the 2026 elections. His public criticism from inside the government shows growing worry about NRM's future, especially in Ugandan cities.
He mentioned how the late MP Muhammad Ssegirinya built a strong reputation, and even after his death, people honored him by rejecting NRM candidates. Opondo pointed out that NRM keeps losing badly in Kampala, calling the capital city their impossible challenge. Despite having many seats in Parliament, the party has failed to build support in urban areas.
Opondo criticized having many officials working on different goals during the campaign. He questioned why NRM treated this election as life-or-death when the seat would last just seven months before the general election. His analysis appeared in the New Vision newspaper days after President Museveni announced criminal investigations into election problems like ballot stuffing and voter intimidation.
Museveni warned that anyone breaking election laws would face consequences. He said We shall hold everybody accountable. The president mentioned specific areas where ballot boxes were reportedly destroyed and said someone was caught with 18 ballot papers. NUP candidate Luyimbazi Elias Nalukoola won decisively with 17,764 votes, more than double his closest rival. NRM candidate Faridah Nambi Kigongo finished second with 8,593 votes.
Opondo accused the party of leaving behind its progressive foundations for bribery, force, and political violence. He said these methods hurt them politically. With many young people unemployed or having unfulfilled expectations, Opondo warned NRM problems will continue if they maintain their current approach and sense of entitlement. He stated directly that NRM has become unpopular.
He advised party leaders to stop heavy-handed methods and embrace people-centered politics instead. Opondo said NRM must return to creative political work and deliver good services to most Ugandans. He expressed shock at seeing heavily armed police and military during voting. He suggested NRM should accept responsibility rather than blame others or go to court.
Opondo's honest assessment surprised political observers. Many see his comments as a warning to the ruling party before the 2026 elections. His public criticism from inside the government shows growing worry about NRM's future, especially in Ugandan cities.
