Lwengo – Bruce N. Tushabe, the aspiring mayor for Lwengo Town Council, has dismissed reports that he quit the National Resistance Movement (NRM), affirming that he remains a loyal party member but will not participate in internal elections until reforms are introduced.

Tushabe, who previously served as Chairperson of Youth in Lwengo Town Council and is currently the spokesperson for Lwengo Central Zone Village, says recent claims suggesting he left the party are misleading and politically motivated.

“I have never left the NRM, nor joined another party. I remain committed to the party’s vision. My decision not to participate in certain primaries is a principled stand against electoral practices that are neither fair nor transparent,” he said.

Concerns Over Party Primaries

According to Tushabe, the NRM primaries in Lwengo Town Council, which consists of 16 villages across five parishes, were marred by irregularities. He cited multiple voting, importation of voters from outside the town council, bribery of polling agents, and poor accountability for funds collected from aspirants.

“Voting does not take place simultaneously across villages. A person can vote in one village, then travel and vote again in another. A village with only 100 registered voters can produce 300 votes, including people not even on the register,” he explained.

Tushabe also accused some party leaders of directly influencing outcomes, noting that agents were sometimes bribed or promised incentives such as tents if certain candidates received no votes in selected villages.

“I have been an NRM mobilizer since childhood, yet during the last primaries, I witnessed how unfair practices undermined genuine participation,” he said.

Concerns About Misuse of Funds

Tushabe further highlighted issues around the collection of money from candidates. LC3 chairpersons reportedly contribute Shs200,000, district chairpersons Shs1 million, and Members of Parliament Shs3 million during nomination processes.

He said Lwengo alone contributes over Shs280 million, yet the party fails to organize transparent elections.

“With all these resources, the party should be able to pay for registras and run proper ballots, not lining-up elections that disrespect members and fuel animosity,” he added.

Appeal to NRM Leadership

The aspirant has appealed to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the NRM National Chairman, to streamline internal elections and restore the secret ballot system, warning that failure to do so could push members to contest as independents, weakening party cohesion.

“My stand is not defection. It is a call for accountability, fairness, and true democratic practices within the NRM,” Tushabe emphasized.

Focus on the 2026 Mayoral Race

Despite his criticism of the party primaries, Tushabe said he remains focused on his campaign for the Lwengo Town Council mayoral seat for the 2026–2031 term. He vowed to deliver accountable, transparent, and people-centered leadership if elected.

“I will work for the people, ensure transparency, and uphold the values of the NRM. My commitment to the party and to my community remains unwavering,” he concluded.

Political analysts say Tushabe’s call for reform resonates with many grassroots members who have expressed frustration over the lining-up system, and his principled stand may position him as a credible contender ahead of the general elections.