Published on 21/09/2025
Thousands of National Resistance Movement (NRM) supporters Sunday filled up Bulenge Playground in Bigasa Subcounty, Bukomansimbi District for a thanksgiving rally celebrating Hajji Shafiq Mwanje’s election as NRM Chairperson for People with Disabilities (PWDs) and his becoming of a member on the ruling party’s Central Executive Committee (CEC).
The highly charged gathering turned into a strong display of unity and mobilization, as Bukomansimbi leaders rallied residents to stand firmly behind the district NRM flag bearers and President Yoweri Museveni ahead of the 2026 general elections.
The Chief Guest, Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo, the Manager of Office of the National Chairman (ONC), warned residents against community injustices which as land grabbing, corruption, and extortion in government programs like the Parish Development Model, and pledged to deal firmly with officials who exploit the people.
“Anyone caught extorting money from residents in the name of PDM or government initiatives will face serious consequences. These programs are meant to uplift you, not to enrich selfish individuals,” Namyalo declared, stressing the importance of vigilance against such practices.
The district NRM leaders used the podium to rally unwavering support for the party candidates and President Museveni to help reclaim it from the hands of opposition.
Mr Salim Kisekka, the NRM flag bearer for Bukomansimbi North, praised Namyalo’s mobilization efforts and urged supporters to remain united for victory, while Ms Ruth Katusabe, the Bukomansimbi Woman MP flag bearer, described Hajj’s rise to the CEC as a triumph for inclusivity and a bridge between local voices and the national chairman.
In a show of appreciation, the bazzukulu presented Mwanje with symbolic gifts—including goats, chicken, and a bull—recognizing his tireless advocacy for persons with disabilities and his community empowerment initiatives.
Taking to the podium, Chairman Shafiq Mwanje expressed gratitude to his supporters and pledged to use his CEC position to advocate for inclusion and development.
“My dream is to empower people with disabilities and unite our community. We must put hatred aside and rally behind the NRM and President Museveni, because unity is the only way we shall defeat the opposition,” he told the cheering crowd.
Local residents echoed their support. Speakers highlighted Mwanje’s contributions to education through Excel Vocational School in Nakaseke, his efforts in extending solar-powered security lights, and his role in curbing crime in trading centres.
The RDC for Bukomansimbi, Mr Kyasanku Lukubo Charles also reached similar sentiments, hailing Namyalo’s grassroots empowerment drive and urged cadres to emulate Mwanje’s example of service, intelligence, and humility.
The rally also marked as the official launch of the Buganda Tweyambe initiative, saw thousands of youths and women empowered with wealth creation tools—including sewing machines, sprayers, popcorn makers, stoves, coffee seedlings, hoes, toolboxes, and electric fryers—in line with President Museveni’s call to socioeconomic transformation to lift households from poverty.
