KANUNGU:Jackline Mbabazi Accused of Mobilizing Against NRM Candidates, Backing Former Go Forward Allies

KANUNGU – Tensions are reaching a boiling point in Kanungu District as furious National Resistance Movement (NRM) supporters accuse Jackline Mbabazi, wife of former Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi, of undermining the party by coercing NRM structures to support former Go Forward loyalists over official NRM flagbearers.

Currently traversing the district in grassroots mobilization meetings, Jackline Mbabazi is said to be eyeing the NRM ticket for Member of Parliament representing the elderly. However, her approach has triggered outrage among mainstream NRM cadres, who claim she is using her influence to rally support exclusively for her former Go Forward allies—Caleb Kipande, James Ruugi Kaberuka, and Sam Kajojo who recently crossed to the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) but maintain close ties with her.

Church Politics

Mrs Mbabazi is also accused of teaming up with the Diocese of Kinkizi, particularly Bishop Dan Zoreka, a known critic of the ruling government and President Museveni. The duo is allegedly using religious platforms, especially within the Anglican Church, to push a quiet agenda—urging Christians to vote for candidates handpicked by the diocese.

During a recent prayer service at Kirenzi Prayer Mountain, Bishop Zoreka reportedly called upon Christians to rally behind Caleb Kipande in the race for Kanungu District Chairperson, directly opposing NRM’s frontrunner Justus Tibesigwa.

Ghosts of 2021 Return

Veteran NRM members draw chilling parallels to the 2021 NRM primaries, where several candidates allegedly won the vote but were mysteriously not declared victors—incidents some blame on interference by the same clique.

“We saw what happened to Mr. Zepher Mugisha in the last general election. It was all directed from the same family,” fumed one disgruntled party insider. “Go Forward has resumed recruiting against NRM while hiding under the party’s umbrella. These people are not true NRM.”

Hatred Tour

According to local party leaders, Mbabazi recently held a meeting with LC1 chairpersons and NRM structures in Kihihi Town Council, allegedly spreading what they called a “message of hatred” against established NRM candidates. Sources say she plans to carry this campaign across all sub-counties and town councils in Kanungu.

“Why is Jackline Mbabazi fighting every strong NRM candidate in the district?” asked a frustrated party official. “What we’re seeing is not mobilization—it’s sabotage.”

Calls for Urgent Intervention

As anger simmers, party loyalists are calling for immediate intervention from both security agencies and the NRM national secretariat. Many warn that if nothing is done, they may be forced to take matters into their own hands.

“Let the people choose their leaders freely,” one official said. “We will not allow the NRM to be hijacked from within.”