Panic in NRM as NUP’s Grace Nalubega Gains Massive Support in Rakai
There is growing panic within the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) after an intelligence report revealed that support for National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate Grace Nalubega in Rakai District has surged to an overwhelming 85 percent.
The shift is reportedly linked to deep divisions inside the NRM over the party flag bearer for the Woman MP seat. A bitter political standoff between Asha Kayanja Lubyayi, sister to feared Gen. Elly Kayanja, and incumbent Juliet Kinyamatama has split the party’s support base, ultimately benefiting Nalubega, who is running as the joint opposition candidate.
Sources say Kayanja’s supporters, some motivated by ethnic differences, have vowed to punish Kinyamatama by casting a “protest vote” for Nalubega. The rift has been further widened by dissatisfaction with Buyamba MP Ssemwanga Gyavira’s leadership as NRM Rakai District Chairman.
Many party cadres accuse Gyavira of using money, military influence, and his close ties with Speaker Anitah Among and Brigadier Sande to rig recent local NRM elections in his favour.
With the added political momentum from NUP President Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine, and strong grassroots mobilisation, analysts say Nalubega could potentially end Kinyamatama’s political career.
