TOP STORY: Kiwanda Backs Haruna Kasolo Over Moses Karangwa for NRM Leadership in Buganda
Kampala, Uganda — August 28, 2025
Senior NRM politician and former Tourism State Minister Godfrey Kiwanda has publicly weighed in on the heated internal contest for the ruling party’s leadership in Buganda, throwing his weight behind Haruna Kasolo, not Moses Karangwa, as the right figure to steer the NRM in Kabaka’s Buganda region.
Speaking during a closed-door strategy meeting that has since sparked wide political commentary, Kiwanda outlined several reasons why, in his view, Kasolo is better suited to lead the party’s efforts in the culturally and politically significant Buganda region.
“This is not just about loyalty to the party — it’s about deep cultural understanding, trust among the people of Buganda, and a proven track record of delivering results where it matters most,” Kiwanda reportedly said.
Why Kasolo, Not Karangwa?
According to sources close to the meeting, Kiwanda made it clear that while Moses Karangwa, the influential Kayunga district NRM chairperson, has played a critical role in party mobilization, his political style and influence are more regional than cultural, and less resonant with the Buganda Kingdom’s unique dynamics.
Kiwanda pointed to Kasolo’s roots in the heart of Buganda, his strong relationships with traditional leaders, and his consensus-building approach as key qualifications. He argued that for the NRM to strengthen its grip in the region, it needs a leader who can speak to Buganda’s soul, not just its polling numbers.
“We are not just appointing a mobilizer. We are choosing a symbol of our presence in the Kabaka’s land,” Kiwanda emphasized.
Broader Implications for the NRM
The debate over who should lead the party in Buganda reflects deeper internal dynamics within the NRM, especially as it gears up for 2026 elections. The region remains politically strategic, with its youth population, royal influence, and history of resistance to centralized power posing both a challenge and an opportunity for the ruling party.
While no official appointment has been made, Kiwanda’s endorsement is expected to carry significant weight within the party’s Central Executive Committee and reshape the succession conversation in Buganda.
NRM insiders say a final decision could come in the next few weeks, with President Museveni expected to have the final say — one that could redefine the party’s relationship with Buganda ahead of the next electoral cycle.
