Kalangala, Uganda: The National Resistance Movement (NRM) Vice Chairperson for Buganda and Minister of State for Microfinance, Hajji Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo, has hailed the ruling party’s growing dominance in Buganda, pointing to a wave of unopposed victories as evidence of the opposition’s weakness ahead of the 2026 general elections.
Addressing thousands of Bazzukulu Ba Museveni at Kibanga Playgrounds in Kalangala Town Council on Sunday, Kasolo thanked delegates from the area for overwhelmingly supporting him during the recent CEC elections, which secured him the influential post of NRM Vice Chairperson for Buganda.
He revealed that in Greater Buganda, over 60 LC5 councillors have already gone through unopposed, noting that in some districts the opposition failed to field a single candidate.
“These are positions that do not require academic qualifications, so the opposition has no excuse. Their absence shows their lack of ground support,” Kasolo said, citing district-by-district figures including 12 councillors and an LC5 chairperson in Sembabule, 11 councillors in Rakai, 9 in Kalangala, 9 in Lyantonde, 8 in Kyotera, 5 in Bukomansimbi, 3 in Kalungu, 3 in Lwengo, and 2 in Masaka.
He argued that with such strength, the NRM in 2026 is already stronger than before, having secured positions even before the Electoral Commission announces results. He appealed to residents to back President Museveni and all NRM candidates, warning against independents who weaken the party’s base.
Kasolo also highlighted government efforts to support transport in Kalangala, citing the provision of free transport ships linking Entebbe, Masaka, and Kalangala. He pledged to lobby for additional vessels once more NRM leaders are elected and noted that government fuels the vessels daily to ease movement for islanders.
He contributed one million shillings to the Masaza Cup, specifically to Ssese FC, while noting that the Buganda Parliamentary Caucus had injected five million shillings into the same cause. He later appealed to the Attorney General and security agencies to exercise leniency towards residents, particularly boda boda riders detained over minor offences and fishermen arrested for fishing-related violations.
He requested that their boats and motorcycles be released to enable them to continue earning a living.
In response, Attorney General Kiryowa Kiwanuka, who was the chief guest, assured the gathering that government had taken note of the concerns.
He said the President had directed security agencies to review such cases and ensure that fishermen and boda boda riders involved in minor infractions are released unconditionally, with their boats and motorcycles returned, stressing that government’s aim is to support livelihoods rather than frustrate them.
The Attorney General echoed the mobilisation message and praised NRM flag bearers for their resilience. He stressed that many challenges facing Kalangala persist because opposition MPs cannot effectively follow up on government commitments.
“Government listens, but when you elect leaders who lack access to the system, your issues remain hanging. Opposition MPs cannot deliver on your behalf,” Kiryowa said.
He assured residents that government is addressing Kalangala’s key concerns such as wealth creation. He reminded them that President Museveni has pledged to increase Parish Development Model funds from 100 million to 200 million shillings per parish, urging households to seize the opportunity.
On infrastructure, he revealed that Power China has been contracted to tarmac one of the roads linking Kalangala to the rest of the country, with compensation already completed and the project awaiting clearance at the Ministry of Finance.
He added that government is working on a new power line from Masaka to Kalangala to stabilise electricity supply and pledged support to ferry services transporting oil palm (ebinazi) from Bubembe to Bunyana Islands.
He further cautioned fishermen against reckless practices, saying the President would soon meet Kalangala fishermen to discuss sustainable fishing.
Local NRM leaders also outlined district-specific priorities.
Hon. Sunday Gerald Kayita commended government for promoting oil palm plantations but called for the completion of the Nyendo–Bukakata road, a ferry and bridge for Kyamuswa, and the establishment of seed schools in the remaining sub-counties.
He also appealed for land from the National Forestry Authority to allow the district to build its headquarters.
Ms. Agnes Lunkuse Mulwanya, the NRM flag bearer for LC5 Chairperson, highlighted the lack of a functioning ambulance at the district hospital, weaknesses in education policy for island districts, and the need to double women empowerment funds.
She praised her former rival, Sansabula, for uniting behind her instead of contesting as an independent.
Hon. Aidah Nabayiga, the former Woman MP and current NRM flag bearer, called for a tarmacked Masaka–Kalangala road and a ferry for Kyamuswa Constituency, while Caroline Bulungi Nanyondo, the NRM flag bearer for Kyamuswa Constituency, criticised the district’s past voting patterns.
“You cannot vote opposition and then expect them to present your problems to the ruling government. That is why NRM legislators from other districts are forced to push Kalangala’s issues, which is unfair,” Bulungi said, urging residents to rally behind President Museveni and all NRM candidates to ensure special attention for Kalangala.
The event was attended by senior leaders including the Attorney General, Minister Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo, RDCs, MPs from Buganda, and security officers.
