The ongoing tension between two influential figures within the NRM party, Security Minister Gen. Jim Muhwezi and Peace Rugambwa, President Yoweri Museveni’s favored ally, came to a head during a high-stakes meeting at State House, Entebbe. This encounter shed light on their diverging views and revealed deep-seated grievances.
Peace Rugambwa, known for her leadership in the ‘Boona Bageigahare Nyekundeire Group,’ a presidential initiative aimed at bolstering onion cultivation in Kigezi and Ankole regions, found herself at odds with Gen. Jim, the powerful MP for Rujumbura county, Rukungiri district. Their discord traces back to the 2017 woman by-elections, which saw FDC’s Betty Muzanira clinching the Woman MP seat for Rukungiri District.
Exclusive insights into the meeting held on Tuesday, 12th March at State House revealed a tumultuous four-hour exchange between the two factions, under the watchful eye of President Museveni. Peace Rugambwa and Gen. Jim, accompanied by their respective supporters, engaged in a heated debate, punctuated by accusations and rebuttals.
Central to the discussion was Peace Rugambwa’s stewardship of the ‘Boona Bageigahare Nyekundeire Group’ project. While she defended the project’s initial successes in empowering local farmers, questions arose about its financial transparency, particularly regarding the alleged solicitation of membership fees from beneficiaries. President Museveni intervened, seeking clarification on the matter.
In response, Gen. Jim’s camp accused Peace of exploiting vulnerable communities under the guise of poverty alleviation. Despite their efforts to discredit Peace, the meeting reached an impasse, prompting a temporary adjournment.
Upon reconvening, Gen. Jim acknowledged Peace’s organizational skills and the project’s potential to benefit the greater Kigezi sub-region. However, he criticized her for neglecting collaboration with local political leaders, advocating for a more inclusive approach.
Elias Rutahigwa, the MP for Rukungiri municipality, raised concerns about the lack of electricity in the region, seeking the president’s intervention. Additionally, he requested a private audience to discuss party defections, which President Museveni granted for a later date.
In his closing remarks, President Museveni lamented the educational shortcomings of his protege, Peace, attributing her unconventional methods to a lack of formal education. He urged both factions to prioritize party unity and poverty alleviation, promising to address outstanding financial issues and conduct an independent assessment of the project’s impact.
The journey to convene this pivotal meeting was fraught with obstacles, with Peace Rugambwa’s attempts to secure an audience with President Museveni thwarted by bureaucratic hurdles. Meanwhile, Gen. Jim Muhwezi’s covert maneuverings ensured his presence and influence at the gathering, underscoring the power dynamics at play within the party.
Ultimately, the clash between Gen. Muhwezi and Peace Rugambwa underscores deeper divisions within the NRM, highlighting the challenges of governance and party cohesion in Uganda’s political landscape.
