In a remarkable turn of events, the NRM youth in Rukungiri District have made history in the recently concluded National Youth Council elections, securing an overwhelming 92% win across the district’s 105 parishes.
Out of 945 seats, 866 went to the NRM, 77 to People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) and 3 to independent candidates.
This triumph marks the largest youth electoral victory for the NRM in Rukungiri since the establishment of the National Youth Council in 1993.
For decades, the opposition—particularly the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC)—had maintained a firm grip on youth leadership in the district. In fact, the outgoing National Youth Council chairperson for Rukungiri hails from FDC. However, this year’s election results signal a seismic shift in local political dynamics.
Many attribute the historical opposition dominance to the district’s legacy, being the birthplace of FDC and its long-time leader Dr. Kizza Besigye, a native of Rwakabengo Ward in Rukungiri Municipality. His influence had anchored the FDC’s stronghold among the youth for years.
But tides have shifted.
According to Levi Tukundane, the NRM Youth League Chairperson for Rukungiri District, the youth have finally embraced a party that aligns with their aspirations.
“The youth have realized that the NRM is the only principled and visionary party capable of securing their future and fostering national development—with fresh energy and young minds like ours leading the way,” Tukundane said.
A former FDC member himself, Levi notes that Rukungiri youth have long missed out on government programs due to their overwhelming support for opposition politics. He believes the tables have turned.
“With 92% of village committees now filled by NRM youth leaders, it’s time for government to recognize this shift and prioritize Rukungiri in youth empowerment programs—just as has been done in districts like Bushenyi and Kabale.”
Tukundane emphasized that this victory is not just for the youth but for national chairman President Yoweri Museveni and the entire NRM fraternity, including Rukungiri district NRM chairman, Hon. Maj. Gen. Jim Muhwezi, who has been a steadfast supporter of youth-led initiatives in the district.
“We are ready to mobilize massive support for President Museveni and Hon. Jim Muhwezi for Rujumbura county. The youth of Rukungiri have seen the light, but now deserve to be rewarded for their loyalty and decisive action,” he concluded.
This moment marks a watershed for youth politics in Rukungiri, positioning the district as a potential model for other regions aiming to align local leadership with national development priorities.
