ROAD TO 2026! NRM Flag Bearers Vs Party-Independent Rebels War Eating Into M7’s Ankole Base – Activist Warns

Amos Tayebwa

Mbarara

Fresh research by a civic activist group under the umbrella ARK Times – Ankole has revealed that internal wars between NRM flag bearers and NRM-leaning independents are significantly weakening President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s support ahead of the 2026 general elections.

Addressing journalists in Mbarara, Ronald Kyamadidi, the head of ARK Times, said divisions born out of disputed NRM primaries have created political tension—especially at the MP level—leading to split grassroots support and poor mobilization for President Museveni.

According to Kyamadidi, several NRM members who lost in the party primaries but returned as independents have launched bitter battles against official flag bearers, leaving supporters confused and divided.

“Some NRM and independent candidates are now fighting personal wars to secure their own support. Those who lost primaries are spreading toxic statements against the party secretariat, accusing it of irregularities. This is weakening President Museveni’s support as party chairman because fragmented candidates cannot mobilize effectively,” Kyamadidi said.

He cited Bushenyi District as one of the worst-hit areas, where a fierce showdown between Independent Woman MP candidate Vianah Kemigisha Nyamunyonyi and incumbent Annet Mugisha, the NRM flag bearer and district vice chairperson, has split voters sharply.

Kyamadidi further warned that the NRM’s weak engagement with young people is another major reason NUP’s Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine) is gaining traction in some parts of Ankole.

He noted that youths feel neglected and their concerns are not being addressed by NRM mobilisers, creating fertile ground for the opposition.

“NRM mobilisation lacks depth. The youth have been ignored. That is why Kyagulanyi’s support is rising,” he said.

Despite the internal cracks, Ark Times research indicates that President Museveni remains overwhelmingly dominant in Western Uganda, with projections placing his likely victory at 85% and above in the region.

The activists believe his numbers will rise further after the President’s campaign trail officially kicked off on Monday, 24 November 2025, starting with Kisoro and Kanungu.

According to the campaign roadmap, President Museveni is expected in Ntungamo on 27 November, and later Mbarara City and Mbarara District on December 1, before proceeding to Kiruhura, Kazo, and other parts of Ankole.