Gen. Tumukunde Quits Rukungiri NRM Chair Race, Cites Election Irregularities

Rukungiri, Uganda – In a shocking turn of events, Lt. Gen. Henry Tumukunde, a former Security Minister, has withdrawn from the Rukungiri District National Resistance Movement (NRM) Chairperson election, citing irregularities in the process. Tumukunde announced his withdrawal through a post on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “I have decided to withdraw from the Rukungiri District NRM Chairperson election, in protest of the irregularities witnessed during the process.”

The party election, which was held on Friday, puts Tumukunde against current Security Minister Maj. Gen. Jim Muhwezi. Despite his withdrawal, Tumukunde reaffirmed his commitment to serving the people of Rukungiri, saying, “My commitment to serve the people of Rukungiri remains unwavering.”

Tumukunde is also preparing to run for the Rukungiri Municipality parliamentary seat in the 2026 national general elections.

Who is Henry Tumukunde?

Henry Tumukunde is a politician and retired senior military officer of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF). Born on February 28, 1959, in Rukungiri District, Western Region of Uganda, Tumukunde has had a distinguished career in both politics and the military.

Early Life and Education

Tumukunde attended Bishop Stuart College, Kigezi College, and Kibuli Secondary School. He later joined Makerere University, graduating with a Bachelor of Laws degree in 1981. He also holds a Diploma in Legal Practice from the Law Development Centre (2010) and an Executive Masters in Oil and Gas Management from the Graduate Institute of Geneva (2013).

A Political Campaign banner of Gen. Henry Tumukunde in Rukungiri

Military and Political Career

Tumukunde has held several senior positions in the UPDF, including Director of Planning, Chief of Personnel and Administration, Chief of Military Intelligence, and Commander of the Fourth Division in Gulu.

He served as Director General of the Internal Security Organisation (ISO) and was a Member of Parliament representing the Army from 1995 to 2005. Tumukunde was appointed Minister of National Security in 2016 but was relieved of his duties in a cabinet reshuffle in 2018. He ran as an independent candidate for president in the 2021 Ugandan general election.

Tumukunde’s Withdrawal

The reasons behind the alleged irregularities have not been specified, but Tumukunde’s withdrawal is likely to create a stir in the local political landscape. As a prominent figure in Ugandan politics and a native of Rukungiri District, Tumukunde’s decision will be closely watched by locals and observers alike.