The Battle for Buganda: A Political Power Play?
In the recent elections, the NRM faced a significant challenge in the Buganda region, a stronghold of opposition power. With only 35% of the presidential vote and a mere 31 parliamentary seats out of 105, the ruling party's grip on Buganda is slipping. But here's where it gets controversial...
Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago has sounded the alarm, accusing the NRM of a calculated strategy to forcefully reclaim Buganda and bring it back under their political control. During an interview on NBS Morning Breeze, Lukwago dismissed the "Buganda for Museveni" campaign as a political ploy, designed to undermine the region's long-standing opposition dominance. He boldly stated, "The mantra of Buganda for Museveni is a strategy to seize the region by force and bring it back into the NRM fold."
Lukwago emphasized that Buganda has historically been a bastion of opposition support, and the ruling party's challenges in the region are not a new phenomenon. He highlighted the internal issues within the opposition, suggesting that these could inadvertently play into the hands of the NRM. But is this a genuine concern, or a strategic move to maintain power?
Lukwago also questioned the NRM's agenda in Buganda, arguing that key economic sectors have been neglected. Using coffee, a major economic backbone for many communities, as an example, he criticized the government's failure to prioritize this crop. "When it comes to coffee, the government should have focused its efforts there. Instead, we saw the dissolution of the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA)," Lukwago said.
The removal of critical institutions without viable alternatives has left farmers in a lurch and eroded trust in the government's commitment to economic transformation. Lukwago suggested that this neglect is part of a larger strategy to weaken the region's economic foundation, making it more susceptible to political influence.
In response, NRM Deputy Secretary General Rose Namayanja Nsereko acknowledged the party's poor performance in Buganda, attributing it to internal divisions and vote-splitting. She emphasized that the NRM has since worked to improve unity and cohesion, and believes they are now in a stronger position internally. Nsereko expressed confidence that the party's renewed unity will help them regain ground in the upcoming January 15, 2026, polls.
However, Lukwago's remarks reflect a deep-seated skepticism within the opposition towards the NRM's renewed efforts in Buganda. Is this a genuine attempt to address regional concerns, or a forceful political maneuver to regain power? And this is the part most people miss: the underlying power dynamics and strategies at play in this political battle.
The decline in NRM's support in Buganda is a stark contrast to previous years, where the party enjoyed a much stronger position with around 69% in 2011 and 80% in 2006. The rise of Robert Kyagulanyi's National Unity Platform (NUP), widespread youth support for the opposition, concerns over land grabbing, and internal divisions within the NRM have all contributed to this shift.
So, what does this mean for the future of politics in Buganda? Will the NRM's renewed push be successful, or will the opposition continue to hold its ground? And what impact will this have on the upcoming elections? These are the questions that need answering, and we invite you to share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below. Let's spark a discussion and explore the complexities of this political landscape together!
