KAMPALA.
The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) has begun a reconciliation process in areas marred by violence during the recently concluded General Elections.
Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, chairing a reconciliation meeting between rival political camps of Mr David Kabanda, the Member of Parliament-elect for Kasambya constituency in Mubende District, and his rival Mr Henry Muhumuza, on Wednesday said the initiative aims to restore peace and unity among party members.
The meeting, held at the Deputy Speaker’s home in Kigo, Wakiso district, on March 4th, brought together the two rivals whose campaigns were marked by violence, clashes, confrontation, intimidation, and tensions among supporters.
“Following the completion of an investigation commissioned by the President, he guided that I should make efforts to reconcile the parties and restore harmony within the NRM family in Mubende District,” Mr Tayebwa said.
He added, “I’m happy to note that, indeed, we have come to a meeting point and agreed with my brothers on putting Kasambya and Mubende first rather than their differences.”
The meeting concluded with a public reconciliation between Mr Kabanda and Mr Muhumuza, with the two NRM leaders shaking hands and committing to work together for the good of their people.
“Kasambya is bigger than each one of us; we shall leave, but it will stay. Although there were issues as a result of elections, we must put differences aside and take the party forward as we aim at serving Ugandans,” Mr Tayebwa said.
Mr Kabanda welcomed the reconciliation initiative, thanking the President for promoting dialogue over confrontation.
“President emphasizes reconciliation and winning people through persuasion. He has preached that message, and it is working in many areas. Fighting has never been a solution, but working together to build a country is the most important point,” Mr Kabanda said.
Mr Muhumuza acknowledged that elections had left wounds among supporters, including loss of property, but noted that the time for elections was over, and it’s time to focus on service delivery.
“This was not affecting only me and the supporters; it was splitting our party here and there. Mubende supports NRM 100 percent, so we are happy that the President has also considered us as people of Kasambya,” Mr Muhumuza said.
The leaders noted that the reconciliation process in Kasambya will set a precedent for similar efforts in other areas, like Lwemiyaga constituency in Sembabule District, where political tensions emerged during the election period.