By ONC Media Desk
Thousands of National Resistance Movement (NRM) supporters poured into Bulenge Playground in Bukomansimbi District on Sunday to celebrate the election of Hajji Shafiq Mwanje as the new Chairperson of the NRM People with Disabilities League, a position that grants him a seat on the party’s Central Executive Committee (CEC).
The thanksgiving fete turned into a show of unity and empowerment as party leaders and supporters rallied behind both Mwanje and the broader call to strengthen the Movement ahead of the 2026 general elections.
The gathering was highlighted by the arrival of the Chief Guest, Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo, the Manager of the Office of the National Chairman (ONC), who was received with cheers from hundreds of bazzukulu.
In a gesture of appreciation, the bazzukulu presented Mwanje with gifts, including goats, chicken, and a bull, recognizing his efforts in mobilizing the community and advocating for their interests.
Leaders who took to the podium commended his rise to the party’s top organ, describing it as a victory not only for Bukomansimbi but also for people living with disabilities across the country.
“We are thrilled to finally have Shafiq at the CEC table. He has proved to be a capable leader who will bridge our local voices to the National Chairman,” said Hon. Ruth Katusabe, the NRM Woman Parliamentary flag bearer for Bukomansimbi.
Her presence underscored the importance the ONC attaches to grassroots mobilization and the inclusion of persons with disabilities in leadership.
The event also marked the official launch of the Buganda Tweyambe initiative, through which thousands of youths and women were empowered with wealth-creation tools such as sewing machines, sprayers, popcorn makers, stoves, coffee seedlings, hoes, toolboxes, and electric fryers, aimed at lifting the bazzukulu out of poverty, in line with President Museveni’s call for self-reliance.
Salim Kisekka, the NRM flag bearer for Bukomansimbi North, praised Hajjat Namyalo for her relentless efforts in mobilization, noting that her support played a key role in Mwanje’s success.
He urged the bazzukulu to stand firmly behind the NRM and President Museveni as the country heads towards the 2026 polls. District leaders echoed this call for unity, emphasizing that togetherness was essential if the party was to secure victory.
While addressing the gathering, Hajji Mwanje expressed deep gratitude to the people of Bukomansimbi for standing by him during the elections and for the unwavering support from Hajjat Namyalo, whom he described as a sister.
“My dream is to empower and support people with disabilities. We must put hatred aside and support each other because unity is the path that will help us defeat the opposition,” he said.
He called on voters to rally behind the NRM and President Museveni, adding that people with disabilities deserved respect, opportunities, and recognition for their abilities.
“The world may look down on us, but we can be great contributors to this country,” he remarked.
Bukomansimbi RDC Kyasanku Lukubo Charles lauded Namyalo for her role in empowering communities and hailed Mwanje’s intelligence and wisdom, urging other cadres to emulate his commitment to service.
In her remarks, Namyalo praised the youths of Bukomansimbi for their strong performance in recent youth elections and applauded Mwanje for uniting a community that had once been divided.
She cautioned against land grabbing and vowed to protect residents’ rights, while also warning district task force members accused of soliciting bribes under the Parish Development Model.
“Anyone caught extorting money from the people will face tough consequences,” she warned.
She further called on residents to embrace government programs such as Emyooga and the PDM, reminding them that voting for the right leaders would determine whether their voices are heard in development decisions.
Mwanje’s election as a CEC member marks a significant milestone for both him and Bukomansimbi.
Beyond his role as District NRM Chairperson, he is the Director of Excel Vocational School in Nakaseke and has been serving as Director of Mobilization at the ONC — a position he credited with opening doors to his rise within the Movement.
Leaders and supporters alike said his elevation reflected not only his personal dedication but also the wider vision of inclusive leadership within the NRM.
The celebrations ended on a high note with entertainment led by popular artist Gravity Omutujju, sealing a day that combined politics, culture, and community empowerment in equal measure.
