Kazo, Uganda:– The battle for the Kazo District Woman MP seat has taken a dramatic twist, with allegations surfacing that former State Minister and NRM flag bearer Molly Nawe Kamukama is attempting to buy out her strongest challenger, Kemirembe Ronah Ruranga, with offers reportedly rising to as much as UGX 500 million.
Multiple sources within Kazo told this news website that Kamukama’s agents initially approached Ronah with UGX 200 million to withdraw from the race, a proposal she flatly rejected.
When the offer allegedly rose to UGX 500 million, Ronah stood her ground, insisting she is “priceless” and that her commitment to serve the people of Kazo cannot be traded for money.
“My price is in my dedication to serve my people. I will do what it takes to represent them and to deliver victory not only for myself but also for President Museveni with a margin of 100%. No amount of money will divert me,” Ronah said.
The development comes just weeks after Ronah returned from the United States, where she has been pursuing postgraduate studies at Harvard Business School.
Her return was marked by a massive launch rally that drew thousands from across Kazo, signalling a shift in momentum and reigniting political debate in the district.
Defections Hit Kamukama’s Camp
In a more shocking twist, we have further learnt that Ronah’s re-emergence has reportedly unsettled Kamukama’s campaign, with several of her former key agents defecting to Ronah’s side.
The defections, insiders say, have raised questions among voters and NRM loyalists about Kamukama’s political footing despite holding the party flag. Some residents we spoke too in Kazo told this publication that they are increasingly sceptical of Kamukama’s leadership record.
According to them, the brevity of her service in both positions undermines her political record and credibility, raising questions about her ability to deliver effective representation for Kazo District.
“You want us to trust her, yet her previous positions were of relatively short tenure? She served as State Minister for Economic Monitoring for only 27 days, and as Principal Private Secretary to President Yoweri Museveni for less than three years. In fact, what happened during her tenure as PPS was a total mess—that’s why she was kicked out of State House like a chicken thief,” one elder from Kazo said.
Across the district, several residents and political observers have accused Kamukama of manipulative politics and relying on inducements and patronage rather than genuine grassroots engagement to secure support.
“If she believes the NRM flag is enough, then why is she sending agents to threaten or negotiate with her rivals? People here will vote based on performance, not on money or titles,” one supporter said.
A Clash of Strategies
While Kamukama is banking on her party flag, Ronah has positioned herself as a pro-people candidate, aligning her manifesto with the broader NRM development agenda, promising to prioritize service delivery, youth empowerment, and accountability, resonating with an electorate eager for tangible results.
Observers say Kamukama’s alleged attempt to buy out her rival betrays a sense of desperation, especially given how quickly the political ground has shifted in Ronah’s favor since her return.
As the 2026 general elections draw closer, Kazo appears set for one of the most closely watched political contests in western Uganda. Whether Kamukama can hold onto the NRM flag advantage or Ronah’s grassroots appeal will triumph remains to be seen.
What is clear, however, is that the people of Kazo are demanding performance and integrity over financial inducements, a factor that could redefine the district’s political landscape in the coming months.
This is a developing Story
