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Rukungiri District is preparing for a politically charged contest as two former bush war comrades and prominent generals, Maj Gen Jim Muhwezi Katugugu and Lt Gen Henry Tumukunde, go head-to-head in the race for the National Resistance Movement (NRM) district chairmanship.

This internal party election, scheduled for tomorrow, is capturing widespread attention because it pits two heavyweight political figures who once fought side by side during Uganda’s NRA liberation war.

Maj Gen Jim Muhwezi, who currently serves as Uganda’s Security Minister, has held the position of NRM Chairperson in Rukungiri for many years.

His political influence in the district is deeply rooted, with a track record of steering the ruling party’s machinery through decades of complex political terrain. Muhwezi’s leadership style and longstanding ties have earned him solid grassroots loyalty among party members and supporters.

On the other hand, Lt Gen Henry Tumukunde is no stranger to politics or security affairs. A former security minister and spymaster, Tumukunde also previously pursued the presidency.

Now, he is making a strategic return to his home district, aiming not only to challenge Muhwezi for the NRM district chairmanship but also eyeing the Rukungiri Municipality parliamentary seat in the 2026 national elections. Tumukunde’s political approach carries an insurgent momentum, appealing to a faction within the party eager for change and renewal.

Both men share a history that goes back to the early 1980s, when they fought together in the NRA guerrilla war that ultimately led to the NRM’s rise to power in 1986. However, despite this shared past, their political paths have diverged significantly over the years, with occasional tensions and rivalry marking their interactions.

The upcoming vote, therefore, is seen not merely as a local party election but as a symbolic battle for control and influence in one of the NRM’s historically important strongholds. Political analysts observe that this contest highlights more than just personal ambitions.

“This race is about legacy, influence, and the future direction of the party at both district and national levels,” said one analyst based in Rukungiri.

The stakes are particularly high because the winner will shape the NRM’s political agenda in a district that has been central to Uganda’s liberation history. The campaign has energized party supporters and attracted interest from national NRM leaders, who recognize the importance of the race in setting the tone for upcoming parliamentary and presidential elections. 

Muhwezi’s strong grassroots network contrasts with Tumukunde’s appeal as a reformist and challenger, creating a dynamic competition that reflects broader divisions within the ruling party.

Locals in Rukungiri view the election as a rare and significant moment.

“Two generals who once fought together are now competing for political dominance. It shows how Uganda’s liberation generation is evolving,” noted a community member.