Butebo District, once a stronghold of political harmony for the National Resistance Movement (NRM), now faces deep divisions. The NRM’s recent primary elections sparked infighting, accusations of vote rigging, and rifts among candidates, residents, and local leaders.
When Butebo split from Pallisa District in 2017, residents felt hopeful. They believed autonomy would bring better services, more representation, and a chance to redefine their identity. However, the push for independence soon led to fierce competition over resources and leadership. This year, the stakes felt much higher. As a result, tensions reached new heights. “The gloves came off; this time, it wasn’t just politics. It was a war between Ms Agnes Amede and Dr Monica Musenero’s camp,” said Mr Moses Kapala, a resident of Petete.
Chaos at the Ballot
The NRM primaries, meant to select candidates for the 2026 General Elections, turned into a flashpoint for chaos. Supporters rallied with intense fervor, turning campaign trails into battlegrounds of influence and intimidation. Furthermore, some losing candidates vowed to run as independents, deepening the split within the NRM.
“We’ve generally been a peaceful district,” said Ms Amede, the NRM flag bearer for Butebo. “But this time, we witnessed chaotic and deadly scenes,” she added. Amede blamed her fallout with Mr James Okurut, the district chairperson, for the breakdown in civility. “The district chairperson has publicly decampaigned me,” Amede claimed. “He has also worked to frustrate our oversight roles—especially in the roads committee.” Okurut denied the accusations, stating, “I have never formed any camps to decampaign her.”
The Minister’s Entry
Another flashpoint came when Dr Musenero unexpectedly entered the race. “The minister had repeatedly assured the public she was not interested in politics,” Amede said. “Then suddenly, she came out to contest for NRM chairperson. It caught many of us off guard,” she added. Amede accused Musenero of interfering with the primaries and playing partisan politics. “She started acting impartially despite being the NRM chairperson. I supported Richard Mugoda, and that put me on the wrong side of the minister,” Amede claimed.
Amede alleged that Musenero interfered with the registrar’s work during polling and demanded the cancellation of some results. In response, Dr Musenero denied any involvement in Butebo’s politics. “My focus is on development,” she stated. “I was elected NRM chairperson to make Butebo the best district in Uganda.”
Divided Communities and Deepening Divisions
The fallout has divided families and fractured villages. Some NRM members have called for calm and internal investigations, but many feel the damage is already done. “This election reopened things we’ve been trying to bury,” said Mr Sisye Muntu, an elder and opinion leader. “We thought we had moved past these divisions. But instead, we witnessed massive clashes between candidates,” he added.
“Unless leaders speak truthfully and act justly, these wounds will fester,” warned Ms Bulaimu Tagwaiko, a local elder. “And not just politically—socially, morally, spiritually,” she cautioned.
The NRM’s ability to heal these internal divisions is crucial. With the general elections just months away, reconciliation will be key for the party’s electoral success and for restoring trust in Butebo. Beneath the political drama, long-suppressed grievances have resurfaced, and the future of Butebo hangs in the balance.
Echoes of Kibuku
The political turmoil in Butebo brings to mind similar tensions in Kibuku District in 2021. After Mr Mohammed Nakeba won the LC5 flag, Ms Jennipher Namuyangu refused to attend council meetings, preferring the incumbent Charles Kadyama. One resident of Butebo wondered, “Can Butebo’s leaders overcome their differences and work together—or is the district entering a phase similar to what Kibuku is fighting to leave behind?”
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