The Minister of State for Finance (General Duties), Henry Musasizi, has publicly stated that he will retain the National Resistance Movement (NRM) flag for the 2026 parliamentary race, regardless of whether he wins or loses in the party primaries.
While addressing supporters in Rubanda District this week, Musasizi, who also serves as the NRM district chairperson, declared that he would not concede the party flag even if defeated. He emphasized his control over the party’s local electoral processes, claiming authority to influence the outcome by virtue of his position.
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Musasizi insisted he would announce himself as the winner if necessary, telling voters during rallies in Bushura and Nyamweru to prepare to vote early and ignore any opponents’ frustrations. His remarks have drawn sharp criticism from fellow aspirants and NRM party officials, who view his stance as undemocratic and a threat to fair internal elections.
His main opponent, Kenneth Jogo Biryabarema, labeled the minister’s comments a blatant challenge to the party’s democratic values and suggested they reveal Musasizi’s fear of losing genuine support on the ground. Another contender, Israel Atuhaire Mucunguzi, echoed similar sentiments, accusing Musasizi of attempting to intimidate voters and undermine the integrity of the primary process.
Rubanda District NRM registrar, Aggrey Monday, distanced himself from Musasizi’s claims, affirming that only the candidate with the majority of valid votes will be declared the flag bearer according to party regulations.
Musasizi’s re-election bid remains contentious in Rubanda East, especially after allegations of vote rigging during the 2020 primaries, which led to local protests and deepened political divisions within the constituency.
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