A major NRM figure is openly refusing to back his own party's candidate days before the election. Former Deputy Attorney General Mwesigwa Rukutana, once the Rushenyi county MP, publicly stated he will not support the ruling National Resistance Movement flag-bearer in the January 15th general elections. Speaking on a local radio show in Ntungamo district, Rukutana claimed deep knowledge of the NRM constitution, which he helped draft, but insisted on his defiance despite party rules prohibiting losers of primaries from running against the official nominee.
The candidate he is snubbing is Naome Kabasharira, the current independent MP for Rushenyi county. Their bitter feud traces back to a violent 2021 NRM primary where Rukutana, then a state minister, was accused of shooting at Kabasharira's supporters. Although initially declared the primary winner, Kabasharira's victory was overturned by party electoral chairman Dr. Tanga Odoi, who named Rukutana the winner instead. Kabasharira then ran as an independent in the general election and defeated Rukutana, ending his long parliamentary tenure. Rukutana also mentioned his failed attempt to amend laws to block independent candidates from challenging party flag-bearers, framing his current rebellion within his claimed expertise of NRM doctrine.
The candidate he is snubbing is Naome Kabasharira, the current independent MP for Rushenyi county. Their bitter feud traces back to a violent 2021 NRM primary where Rukutana, then a state minister, was accused of shooting at Kabasharira's supporters. Although initially declared the primary winner, Kabasharira's victory was overturned by party electoral chairman Dr. Tanga Odoi, who named Rukutana the winner instead. Kabasharira then ran as an independent in the general election and defeated Rukutana, ending his long parliamentary tenure. Rukutana also mentioned his failed attempt to amend laws to block independent candidates from challenging party flag-bearers, framing his current rebellion within his claimed expertise of NRM doctrine.
