NRM Scrambles for Busoga as Bobi Campaign Train Rattles Security, Gen. Christopher Ddamulira Threatens Arrests

Busoga, Uganda – The National Resistance Movement (NRM) is intensifying efforts in the Busoga subregion as the opposition’s campaign momentum, led by National Unity Platform (NUP) President Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, rattles local and security predictions.

Earlier assessments by security agencies suggested that Kyagulanyi’s influence from the 2021 elections would have faded by now. Yet, contrary to these predictions, his campaign rallies across Busoga have continued to draw massive crowds, demonstrating his enduring political appeal.

Observers note that these rallies have been both well-organized and highly energetic highlighting the resilience of NUP’s support base.

In response, NRM’s First National Vice Chairman, Al-Hajji Moses Kigongo, has engaged directly with ghetto youth leaders in Mafubira, Jinja City North Division, commending them for reportedly shunning opposition politicians with “selfish interests.”

Kigongo warned that some opposition figures aimed to manipulate young people into criminal activities during the election period, asserting that the ghetto youth had resisted such enticements.

During the meeting, the ghetto Savings and Credit Cooperatives (SACCOs) were officially flagged off to disburse funds to eligible beneficiaries.

Kigongo encouraged the recipients of the Shs100 million empowerment fund to use the money wisely to improve their livelihoods, assuring that responsible use would attract further government support.

Kigongo also appealed to the youth to support President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and other NRM candidates in the upcoming elections, framing their vote as a way to sustain development projects in the region.

Maj. Gen. Christopher Ddamulira, Director of Crime Intelligence and coordinator of the ghetto structures project, praised the government for extending financial support to the SACCOs and commended ghetto youth for their law-abiding behavior.

“For those who persist in crime, we shall arrest you,” he cautioned emphasizing the collaboration between police and youth to maintain peace.

Special Presidential Assistant on Press and Mobilization, Haji Faruk Kirunda, reaffirmed the commitment to ensuring security in Busoga during the election period. He called for additional financial support for Jinja City’s ghetto youth, noting that the city’s densely populated areas require more resources to sustain development programs.

Kirunda also urged youth to back President Museveni, highlighting his long-standing association with ghetto communities dating back to the FRONASA era in the 1970s, exemplified by his close work with Zubairi Bakari.

Meanwhile, Mr. Hamis Kiganira, Deputy Resident District Commissioner of Jinja City North Division, requested a government ambulance and enhanced police patrols to ensure swift responses to emergencies, signaling NRM’s push to strengthen local services as part of its campaign strategy.

As Kyagulanyi’s rallies continue to defy early security projections and galvanize supporters, NRM appears to be stepping up efforts in Busoga, seeking to maintain its foothold in a region increasingly energized by opposition politics.