MBARARA .
Mr Sedrack Nzeire Kaguta, a younger brother to President Museveni, has asked leaders and residents of Mbarara District to shun sectarian politics, warning that such divisive tendencies threaten Uganda’s socio-economic progress.
Speaking during the opening of new National Resistance Movement (NRM ) party offices and handover of the district party leadership to Mr Prosper Tuheise at Bwizibwera Town on Wednesday, Mr Nzeire criticised some leaders for sowing seeds of division for political gain.
“We were divided along sectarian tendencies by colonialists who didn’t want us to develop. Indeed, they left us undeveloped. But now that we’ve taken steps in development, some people want to take us back,” Mr Nzeire said.
He urged residents to shun politicians who manipulate tribe and religion to gain political advantage.
His comments came after the newly elected Mbarara District NRM chairperson, Mr Prosper Tuheise, warned that some leaders were promoting sectarianism in the district to win votes, especially ahead of elections.
“Our people are being taken back to divisions based on tribe and religion. This must stop. We can’t sit and watch our communities being torn apart for selfish interests,” Mr Tuheise said.
He further cautioned that the NRM will disqualify any candidate found using divisive politics during the party’s primaries.
“As party chairperson, I am warning anyone planning to stand in the primaries but is sowing seeds of hatred in the community—you will be disqualified,” he said.
“We will also use the law to arrest and prosecute those promoting sectarianism. Mbarara is known for unity, but how will we be heard if we’re fighting over tribe, clan, and religion?”
The new party offices were constructed and donated by Mr Tuheise, who said the gesture was meant to support NRM’s mobilisation and coordination in the district.
During the same event, party leaders in the district unanimously endorsed Mr Nzeire as the unopposed candidate for the NRM Vice Chairperson for Western Uganda.