Brother vs Loyalists: Succession Battle Intensifies in Kayunga NRM After Kalangwa’s Death

By Denis Mukisa

Kayunga, Uganda: Barely two months after the death of Moses Kaliisa Kalangwa, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) in Kayunga, a rural Ugandan District is already engulfed in a fierce succession battle, with family ties, personal ambitions, and factional loyalties threatening to fracture the once-dominant party structure.

A tense meeting held on thursday afternoon exposed deep divisions as cadres clashed over when and how to elect a new district chairperson. The position fell vacant following Kalangwa’s tragic death in a road accident on May 17, 2026, at Ssuka along the Kayunga-Jinja highway.

Tumwiine Augustine, the younger brother of the late chairman, has emerged as a frontline contender. During the meeting, he urged the NRM secretariat to expedite the by-election, arguing that the party urgently needs a substantive leader to handle pressing matters. His active positioning has raised eyebrows among some members who see it as an attempt at family succession.

Opposing voices, however, are pushing back. Senior figures including former Bbaale County MP Hon. Suleiman Madada and Alex Kasiirivu cautioned against rushing the process, warning that premature elections could open the door to manipulation and deepen divisions. Kasiirivu specifically called for calm and respect for party procedures to avoid “cliques and disrespect” among cadres.

Kasirivu alex, One of the NRM top office contenders in Kayunga

Naava Prossy and Kizza Mutwalibi, who led demands for an immediate by-election, framed the urgency around the need to restore strong grassroots mobilization, a hallmark of Kalangwa’s leadership. Kalangwa was widely regarded as a political godfather in Kayunga, known for his strong mobilization skills, business acumen, and close ties to the party’s top leadership, including his recent appointment as Senior Presidential Advisor.

Dr. James Tweheyo, who chaired the meeting on behalf of NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong, appealed for restraint. He assured members that the by-election would be held soon but confirmed the matter would first be tabled before the Central Executive Committee (CEC) meeting scheduled for tomorrow.

The unfolding succession struggle highlights a classic post-power vacuum scenario: the tension between natural heirs (in this case, biological family) and established loyalists who believe leadership should be earned through party service rather than bloodlines. Several sources within the meeting, who spoke on condition of anonymity, suggested that at least three other heavyweight contenders are quietly positioning themselves, setting the stage for what could become a bruising contest.

Kalangwa’s sudden death created more than just an administrative gap; it removed one of the district’s most influential political operators. His ability to rally support, host high-profile events (including birthday celebrations for Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba), and maintain close relations with President Museveni made him a central pillar of NRM dominance in the area.

As the CEC prepares to deliberate, many in Kayunga are watching closely. The outcome could determine not only who takes over the influential district chair position but also whether the NRM exits this transition stronger and more united, or weakened by internal fractures ahead of future elections.