By Trevor Solomon Baleke
The political temperature in Namutumba District has been boiling ever since the controversial attempt to rerun NRM party elections for key positions, particularly that of District Chairperson. What was meant to be an internal democratic exercise has turned into a battle of influence, accusations, and aborted reruns—all of which now risk splitting the local party fabric.
At the centre of this political tension is none other than Hon. Mariam Naigaga, the incumbent District Woman MP and also a hopeful for the NRM Vice Chairperson for Eastern Uganda under the Central Executive Committee (CEC).
But here’s the unvarnished truth: it is time for Hon. Naigaga to let go of the Namutumba District Chairmanship bid.
The facts on the ground are difficult to ignore. Simon Menya, a man of the grassroots, secured 480 votes, compared to Hon. Naigaga’s 108 votes. Whatever the allegations and petitions, the result reflects the will of the local NRM members—those who stand in queues, not in boardrooms. These are the people who sweat for the party and who ultimately have the final say.
Attempting to use Kampala-based influence to overturn what the people of Namutumba have decided is not only politically risky—it’s tone-deaf to the ground realities. History has a stubborn way of repeating itself. Just across in Luuka, Hon. Esther Mbayo attempted a similar approach: appealing to the centre to salvage local support. She failed. Not because she lacked power in Kampala, but because the power of the people on the ground prevailed.
Hon. Naigaga has a big political future ahead of her. She is already a sitting MP, and she is eyeing a CEC slot—both demanding roles that require full attention and strategy. Chasing after the Namutumba District Chairmanship while also preparing for two heavyweight races is politically overstretching and could backfire.
It is important for her to remember that CEC positions are not limited to people in party structures. Any loyal and tested cadre of the party can contest for a CEC seat, with or without holding a lower structure. Therefore, dropping the Namutumba race does not disqualify her from rising to the higher levels of the party. In fact, it may strengthen her appeal as a leader who puts party unity above personal ambition.
Hon. Naigaga should now make the gracious political move: congratulate Simon Menya, rally her supporters around him for the good of the party, and focus on defending her parliamentary seat while also preparing a strong, unifying bid for the NRM Vice Chairperson for Eastern Uganda.
Sometimes, letting go of a small battle is the key to winning the war.
The Author, Trevor Solomon Baleke is former District NRM Admin and Regional Coordinator
Currently Deputy RDC, Kayunga
Email: baleke12@gmail.com | Tel: 0752009014
