Race for NRM Buganda Vice Chairmanship Narrows to Two as Kiwanda Withdraws, Backs Kasolo
KAMPALA – The race for the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Vice Chairperson for the Buganda Region has been dramatically narrowed to a two-horse contest following the last-minute withdrawal of three prominent candidates.
The incumbent, Godfrey Kiwanda, along with Engineer Joseph Sewava and Hakim Kyeswa, have all officially pulled out of the electoral contest just days before the party’s internal elections.
In a significant move that is expected to sway the race, the outgoing Vice Chairman, Godfrey Kiwanda, has publicly declared his support for the State Minister for Microfinance, Hon. Haruna Kasolo Kyeyune. This endorsement pits Kasolo directly against the other remaining candidate, Fred Kalangwa.
The surprise withdrawals and endorsement have reshaped the political landscape for one of the most influential positions within the ruling party’s structure. The Buganda Region vice chairmanship is a critical role, seen as a key liaison between the party leadership and the country’s largest cultural kingdom.
Kiwanda, who has held the position, stated that his decision to step aside and support Hon. Kasolo was made in the interest of party unity and strengthening the NRM’s support base in the Central Region.
“After careful consideration and consultations, I have decided to withdraw from the race and wholeheartedly throw my support behind Hon. Haruna Kasolo,” Kiwanda announced. “I believe he possesses the experience and dedication needed to champion the interests of Buganda within the NRM and continue the work we have started.”
The reasons for the withdrawals by Eng. Sewava and Mr. Kyeswa were not immediately made public, but their exit effectively clears the field for a straight fight between Kalangwa and the now heavily-backed Kasolo.
The election, scheduled for later this week, is now anticipated to be a tightly contested affair. Political analysts suggest that Kiwanda’s endorsement could provide Kasolo with a crucial advantage, given his incumbency and established networks. However, Fred Kalangwa remains a formidable candidate with his own strong support base.
Delegates from across the Buganda Region will now choose between the two remaining contenders to lead the party’s activities in the area for the next term.
