A heated confrontation broke out in Kisoro District after several independent candidates clashed with National Resistance Movement (NRM) District Chairperson Dr. Philemon Mateke over the use of NRM party colours and symbols during the 2026 General Election campaigns. The dispute highlights deepening divisions within Uganda’s ruling party as internal disagreements spill into the campaign trail.
During a meeting held at the Kisoro District Council Hall, Dr. Mateke directed the local NRM Electoral Commission chairperson Mujambere Thadeo to read a letter from the party’s Secretary General warning that independents are prohibited from using NRM colours or symbols. The directive, he said, was in line with the NRM constitution, which bars defectors from identifying with official party imagery.
“While the Constitution allows independent candidates, the NRM rules do not permit the use of our colours or symbols by non-flagbearers,” Dr. Mateke stated. “It becomes difficult for such candidates to cooperate with government if elected.”
Independents Fire Back at NRM Leadership
The meeting turned confrontational as several participants accused Dr. Mateke of double standards, recalling that he himself supported an independent candidate during the 2024 Kisoro Woman MP by-election.
Among the critics were Bufumbira North MP John Nizeyimana Kamara, former NRM vice chairperson Ramadhan Ndikuyeze, and Bufumbira South MP aspirant Sam Bitangaro, who argued that the colour yellow cannot be monopolized by the ruling party.
“I am more loyal to the NRM than those condemning me,” Kamara declared. “If I had known this meeting was about colours, I would have worn full yellow.”
Ndikuyeze accused the party of favoritism and irregularities during previous primaries, saying the mistreatment of loyal members forced many to go independent. Bitangaro added that “the NRM has no patent over a colour.”
Party Loyalists Defend the NRM Stand
Dr. Leo Mfitimana, contesting for Kisoro Municipality MP, acknowledged flaws in the NRM primaries but urged unity. He maintained his loyalty to the party despite running independently. Meanwhile, Grace Akifeza Ngabirano, the current Woman MP who reconciled with the NRM after contesting as an independent, advised others to respect party identity.
“I went through as an independent, but it was tough until I reconciled with the party. Avoid using NRM colours if you are not its candidate,” she advised.
NRM flagbearer Sam Byibesho called for collective support behind official party nominees to maintain stability ahead of 2026.
Growing Rift in Kisoro Reflects National Trend
The meeting ended in disagreement, with independents vowing to continue using NRM party colours, arguing that the symbol represents their political heritage. The standoff underscores widening cracks within the NRM, as similar divisions have emerged in other districts following disputed primaries.
Across Uganda, a growing number of NRM members—including cabinet ministers—are contesting as independents, citing internal manipulation and lack of transparency in party structures. Political analysts warn that if unresolved, these disputes could erode NRM’s grassroots cohesion before the 2026 general elections.
