KASSANDA, Uganda – Just weeks after a significant “buganda for Museveni” rally underscored Kassanda’s allegiance to the National Resistance Movement (NRM), a strong challenge led by businessman Eriya Mubiru is threatening the party’s anticipated victory in the 2026 parliamentary elections. Mubiru, reportedly angered by a primary defeat, has left NRM, declaring, “It’s either me or no NRM-or both,” promising to dismantle the party’s dominance, while making an exception for President Yoweri Museveni.

Kassanda, which was formed from Mubende in 2016 and includes Kassanda North, South, and Bukuya County, witnessed NRM losing three out of four seats to the National Unity Platform (NUP) in 2021, with only Dr. Michael Bukenya retaining Bukuya. more recently, NRM experienced a surge in support, securing 90.8% of youth council seats in June and July 2025 and dominating sub-county elections, boosted by Museveni’s commitments to improve roads, electricity, and telecom infrastructure. A September 14 rally in Nalutuntu, spearheaded by Bukenya, the NRM district chairman, attracted thousands, solidifying Kassanda as a potential stronghold for the 2026 elections.

However, Mubiru’s revolt could disrupt this momentum. In the Kassanda South primaries on July 17, 2025, he received 9,860 votes, narrowly losing to Hajj Abdul Bisaso’s 10,226 in a 68% turnout.Mubiru alleges rigging, claiming Museveni’s support for Bisaso, a district youth leader, was a factor. His petition to the NRM tribunal was rejected on August 22 due to insufficient evidence, intensifying his resentment. “NRM didn’t declare me the winner at the branch or tribunal, despite my contributions,” Mubiru stated. “I’ll use all my resources to teach them a lesson.”

Now running as an independent, Mubiru has formed an alliance with Engineer Galabuzi, a Bukuya-based Democratic party member with