State Minister for Microfinance Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo is facing a significant political crisis after his bid for the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Central Executive Committee (CEC) was sharply rejected by party delegates in Mubende District.
What was planned as a strategic consultation meeting to cement Kasolo’s support base turned chaotic on Tuesday evening, when delegates turned on the minister, accusing him of opportunism, neglect, and arrogance.
The event, organized under the guidance of PLU’s General Secretary David Kabanda, was meant to position Kasolo as a serious contender for the influential CEC seat. But what unfolded instead was a dramatic rebuke that exposed the growing frustration among NRM grassroots members.
Sources who attended the closed-door session described a tense atmosphere as delegates demanded accountability from the minister over what they termed as years of silence and unfulfilled promises. Many expressed bitterness over what they viewed as a top-down, last-minute campaign that offered no tangible legacy to justify Kasolo’s leadership ambitions.
“He never showed his face here until elections neared. Now he wants our vote. For what?” said a delegate from Bukuya County, who declined to be named for fear of political backlash.
Several attendees reportedly walked out mid-meeting after Kasolo attempted to appease them with a UGX 50,000 transport refund. The gesture was widely seen as dismissive and inadequate, especially given the long distances many had traveled and the time sacrificed to attend the gathering.
“He hands out cars and cash on TV to people we don’t know, but gives us fifty thousand?” one angry delegate asked. “We deserve better.”
Others questioned Kasolo’s leadership record, particularly in light of his role overseeing Emyooga funds. Critics accused him of ignoring rural communities and failing to create visible impact from the initiative in areas like Mubende.
“The funds were supposed to transform our SACCOs. Where is the transformation?” asked another delegate.
The backlash in Mubende is now fueling speculation that Kasolo’s campaign could be unraveling beyond the district. His rivals, including Hakim Kyeswa of the ONC and Kayunga’s Karangwa Moses, are reportedly gaining traction among regional leaders, while the silence of incumbent Godfrey Kiwanda continues to stir uncertainty.
Observers believe the events in Mubende could be a turning point in the internal NRM race, especially as more delegates grow weary of last-minute campaigns and shallow political overtures.
Dr. Winfred Namuli, a political sociologist, noted that grassroots voters are growing more assertive and less tolerant of transactional politics.
“We’re seeing a real shift in political expectations,” she said. “People want leaders who show up, not just for votes, but for service. The era of quick allowances and empty slogans may be coming to an end.”
As the CEC race intensifies, it remains unclear whether Kasolo can recover from the Mubende fallout. While he retains influence in other parts of central Uganda, analysts say he must now work twice as hard to regain trust among core party structures.
His team has yet to issue an official statement addressing the backlash, but insiders suggest a reassessment of his campaign strategy is underway.
In the meantime, NRM’s internal politics continue to heat up, setting the stage for a highly competitive and unpredictable contest as the party prepares for its next delegates’ conference.
