Tensions flared over the weekend as angry National Resistance Movement (NRM) youth leaders confronted party officials over the alleged embezzlement of Shs 63.7 million meant to facilitate village youth committee elections in Luweero district.

The funds, disbursed in June to support NRM flagbearers during the June 19 youth committee polls, were intended to cover transport and mobilisation costs. Each flagbearer was to receive Shs 10,000, sub-county youth chairpersons Shs 50,000, and registrars Shs 100,000. However, several intended beneficiaries across the district’s 624 villages reported that they never received the money, accusing some local party leaders of diverting it for personal use.

The scandal came to a head during a mobilisation meeting at Bukalasa Agricultural College, attended by over 200 youths, NRM Vice Chairperson for Buganda region Haruna Kasolo, and Deputy Secretary General Rosemary Namayanja. The gathering, meant to prepare for President Yoweri Museveni’s campaign launch on September 30, was briefly disrupted as youths demanded accountability and a refund before the President’s visit.

Moses Majwega, the NRM youth chairperson in Luwero, said many grassroots mobilisers were left “empty-handed,” sparking widespread frustration. Some youths threatened to boycott mobilisation activities if the stolen funds were not recovered.

In response, Namayanja acknowledged the scandal and announced that the district registrar, David Kamugisha, and administrator Maria Nayiga had been replaced. She assured the youths that the party secretariat would refund the stolen funds as police investigations continue.

“The secretariat will refund the money as investigations continue,” Namayanja said, urging the youths to remain focused on mobilisation ahead of the 2026 general elections.

Kasolo, who also serves as State Minister for Microfinance, condemned the embezzlement and called for swift action, encouraging the youth to support the party’s forthcoming campaign activities.

This is not the first time NRM activities in Luwero have been marred by financial scandals. During the 2021 general elections, Shs 29 million meant for party flagbearers for district councillor seats was similarly stolen by local executives.