Mwesigwa Rukutana vs Naome Kabasharira: Old Rivalry Resurfaces as 2026 Elections Draw Closer

Rising tension in Rushenyi County, Ntungamo District continues to dominate political discussions as former area legislator Hon. Mwesigwa Rukutana renews his long-standing rivalry with the current Member of Parliament, Hon. Naome Kabasharira.

Rukutana, who represented Rushenyi for more than 25 years and served as Deputy Attorney General and State Minister for Labour, has accused the incumbent MP of presiding over what he calls “stagnant development” during the current 2021–2026 term.

He claims that key government projects in the constituency, including roads, electricity, water supply, education and health services, have either stalled or slowed down since he left office.

Although he earlier announced retirement from active politics, Rukutana has resurfaced with a firm political stance, declaring that he will not support the National Resistance Movement (NRM) flag bearer, Kabasharira, ahead of the January 15, 2026 elections. Instead, he has pledged support for independent candidate Herbert Nyongozi.

He further insists that the 2021 NRM primaries were marred by irregularities, which he says handed Kabasharira the party flag “illegally”.

Appearing on a local radio talk show, Rukutana emphasized his loyalty to NRM but vowed not to back the party candidate in Rushenyi.

“I am a staunch NRM member and supporter. I am one of over 200 people who signed the NRM constitution. Nobody understands the NRM constitution better than me,” he stated.

The friction between the two leaders dates back to the highly contested and violent 2021 NRM primaries. Kabasharira was first declared winner by the district NRM registrar but the party’s Electoral Commission chairperson, Dr. Tanga Odoi, later overturned the results and announced Rukutana as the official winner. Kabasharira rejected the decision, ran as an independent candidate in the general elections and defeated Rukutana, ending his decades in Parliament.

Responding to Rukutana’s recent remarks, Hon. Kabasharira dismissed his allegations as frustration following his 2021 defeat. She accused him of failing to deliver basic services during his lengthy tenure, saying several areas still lack electricity and clean water. She cited projects where water pipes were laid but residents were never connected.

Kabasharira defended her performance, highlighting establishment of two Health Centre IV facilities, provision of two ambulances and ongoing development initiatives, achievements she says many constituencies do not have. She also accused Rukutana of failing to follow up on a major road project that was budgeted to pass through Rubaare to Kisizi but was allegedly diverted during his time in office.

As the 2026 elections draw closer, the renewed rivalry between the former and current MP is rekindling debate on leadership, service delivery and loyalty within the ruling NRM party in Rushenyi. Residents now wait to see how the unfolding political battle will shape the constituency’s future.