MBARARA WOMAN MP SEAT ON FIRE! As MP Bwahika, NRM Flag Bearer Kibaju Rivalry Boils
By Amos Tayebwa | Mbarara City
The battle for the Mbarara City Woman MP seat has erupted into chaos, as tension between the camps of incumbent MP Rita Atukwasa Bwahika and NRM flag bearer Charity Kibaju Kamuhanda intensifies — months before the official campaign season even begins.
The two political heavyweights, who once shared the same yellow umbrella, are now locked in a heated contest that has split Mbarara City into rival camps, each claiming loyalty to its preferred candidate.
SUPPORTERS NEARLY EXCHANGE BLOWS
The latest drama unfolded during Independence Day celebrations at Mbarara Global High School playground, where both candidates were in attendance.
Tensions flared when Kibaju was recognized as Chief Guest of Honour, a move that allegedly angered Bwahika’s supporters, who felt their candidate had been snubbed. Tempers boiled over, with supporters from both sides almost trading punches before security stepped in to calm the chaos.
The bad blood between the two women dates back to the NRM primary elections, where Bwahika lost the party flag to Kibaju — and decided to contest as an independent, setting the stage for another explosive showdown similar to her 2021 victory against then-flag bearer Bonny Kiconco Kashaija.
BWAHIKA PREACHES PEACE, BUT REMAINS DEFIANT
Speaking after the scuffle, Hon. Bwahika condemned political violence and urged her supporters to remain calm and focused on peaceful campaigns.
“I promise to guide and advise my supporters not to engage in any form of violence during the election campaigns,” she said.
“This is not do-or-die politics. Fighting and violence shouldn’t define Mbarara’s campaigns. Let us use our platforms to talk sense, show what we have done, and what we plan to do for our people.”
Despite her conciliatory tone, Bwahika made it clear she is not backing down, saying she will run as an independent to “fulfil her promises” to the people of Mbarara City.
“I believe in peaceful campaigns, truth, and service — not politics of falsehood and intimidation,” she added.
KIBAJU HITS BACK HARD
But Kibaju, the NRM flag bearer, fired back sharply — accusing the incumbent of betraying the party and defying President Museveni’s guidance after losing the primaries.
“If a leader like Bwahika cannot obey the party president and the NRM constitution, how do you expect her to guide her supporters toward peace?” Kibaju charged.
“She lost the primaries. The honorable thing was to rally behind the flag bearer and strengthen the party, not divide it.”
Kibaju further praised President Museveni for appointing former contender Bonny Kiconco Kashaija to a PDM role, which she said helped reduce interference in party affairs — and suggested a similar appointment for Bwahika could ease internal tensions.
“It would be good if Bwahika was also appointed somewhere to avoid chaos among NRM members. We need unity, not confusion,” Kibaju added.
THE MOST HEATED RACE IN MBARARA CITY
Political analysts say the Mbarara Woman MP seat is shaping up to be one of the most fiercely contested races in Western Uganda ahead of the 2026 General Elections.
Both women have strong grassroots networks and solid political records — Bwahika as an experienced incumbent with a loyal independent following, and Kibaju as a disciplined NRM cadre with full party machinery behind her.
Observers warn that if tensions continue to rise, Mbarara could become a political hotspot before nominations even open.
Both have pledged to run issue-based campaigns, but their supporters’ clashes suggest that the road to 2026 could be anything but peaceful.
As campaign season approaches, security and the Electoral Commission are watching closely. With political temperatures rising and loyalties divided, Mbarara City’s Woman MP race is fast becoming a battle of personalities, pride, and party power.
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