A heated contest for the Western Youth Member of Parliament seat unfolded at the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) delegates’ conference recently with allegations of massive cash handouts and behind-the-scenes maneuvering taking center stage.

The spotlight fell on Mwine Tumwebaze, son of prominent Mbarara businessman, staunch Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) supporter and sponsor Tycoon Kirimi.

Mwine, reportedly backed by FDC interests, is said to have launched a cash bonanza that saw delegates walk away with at least Shs 1.5 million each. His deep-pocketed strategy put him in direct confrontation with Kakwanzi Elizabeth, the candidate believed to enjoy strong backing from the President’s younger brother, business mogul Toyota Museveni.

The contest quickly evolved into a proxy battle between rival camps, blurring the lines between party loyalty and personal ambition. While NRM prides itself on discipline and unity, insiders described the scene as chaotic, with open bribery, accusations of external infiltration, and promises of lucrative appointments being traded freely on the conference floor.

Adding to the controversy was the involvement of Habibu Sseruwagi, a serving member of the Equal Opportunities Commission board and formerly attached to State House. Witnesses alleged that Sseruwagi was seen directing security personnel on which delegates could access the ceremonial grounds. On multiple occasions, he was also overheard promising some delegates future appointments as deputy Resident District Commissioners (RDCs) and assistant RDCs offers tied to their support for Mwine.

Observers have raised concerns that the integrity of internal party elections is being undermined by the heavy influence of money and patronage networks. With Uganda’s 2026 general elections drawing closer, analysts warn that such practices could deepen factional divisions within the NRM while providing space for opposition parties to exploit internal weaknesses.

For now, the Western Youth MP race remains a hotbed of intrigue, with both camps digging in for a bruising battle. Whether the NRM will intervene to restore order and credibility to its delegate processes is a question that remains unanswered, but the weekend’s events have once again exposed the growing role of money and patronage in Uganda’s political contests.