Kassanda County Braces for political Showdown as NRM Primaries Descend into Dispute
Kassanda county, Uganda, is facing a critical juncture as a contested National Resistance Movement (NRM) primary election threatens to fracture the party’s base and potentially hand an advantage to the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) in the upcoming 2026 general election. The dispute centers around the nomination for Member of Parliament, pitting seasoned grassroots organizer Fred Bisaso against newcomer Alex Mubiru, a businessman with perceived connections to powerful figures in Kampala.
This isn’t simply a local squabble. The outcome will likely impact President Museveni’s support in the region and influence other key races, including those for Woman MP and District LC Chairman. here’s a breakdown of the situation, the key players, and what’s at stake.
The Core of the Conflict
The tension stems from a tightly contested primary election where Bisaso edged out Mubiru by a mere 366 votes. Mubiru has since challenged the results,alleging irregularities and leveraging what many locals perceive as undue influence. Reports suggest he’s utilizing his financial resources and connections to pressure the NRM electoral tribunal and even orchestrate the arrest of political opponents, like candidate Rukundo.
Local residents and social media posts (X, formerly Twitter) paint a picture of Mubiru flaunting wealth, military escorts, and assurances of support from Kampala. This perception is fueled by his background as a land dealer, with a history of disputes – including the controversial enclosure of Bukompe Village affecting 150 households – that have raised concerns about his motives.
Mubiru’s campaign: A Force of Financial and Perceived Political Muscle
Mubiru’s campaign isn’t relying on traditional grassroots organizing. Instead,it’s a sophisticated media operation utilizing:
Extensive Social Media Presence: Dominating platforms like WhatsApp and TikTok,with a significant ad spend on local radio.
Amplified Messaging: Claims of an already secured tribunal victory are circulating widely, generating 50,000 social media impressions in the past week – considerably outpacing Bisaso’s 20,000.
“Kampala Connections” Narrative: Constantly emphasizing his access to power in the capital, fueling perceptions of political manipulation.A recent survey by the Kassanda Growth Forum (August 2025) revealed that 62% of residents believe the delay in resolving the dispute is politically motivated. This erosion of trust within the NRM is evident in a 15% drop in member engagement as the primary.
Bisaso: The Grassroots Candidate Facing an Uphill Battle
Fred Bisaso represents a different approach. He’s a self-made entrepreneur with deep roots in the Kiganda community, built through years of service:
Proven Track Record: He played a key role in securing victories for Nyombi Thembo, simeo Nsubuga, and Michael Muhumuza in the 2021 elections.
Community Investment: Bisaso spearheaded the Emyooga initiative, disbursing UGX 2 billion to 5,000 youth since 2020.
Organic Support: His leadership dates back to his youth days in pre-2017 Mubende District and his position as NRM DEC Chairman for Entrepreneurs.
However, the narrow margin of victory underscores the need for unity within the party. Mubiru and another contender, Nsubuga, garnered a combined 23,258 votes in the primary.Consolidating these votes is crucial, especially considering NUP’s Frank kabuye Kibirige won the seat in 2021 with 12,279 votes (39% of the total).
The Stakes are High: Beyond the MP seat
NRM insiders recognize that resolving this dispute is about more than just winning a parliamentary seat. It’s about:
Boosting Presidential support: Museveni received 33% of the vote in Kassanda in 2021 (10,456 votes), a figure the NRM aims to increase.
Securing Key Local Positions: Winning the Woman MP seat and District LC Chairman position are vital for consolidating power.
*