Kibuule, visibly energized by the reception, used the opportunity to make a heartfelt appeal for a second chance at leadership.
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In a dramatic political turn of events, former State Minister for Water and Environment Ronald Kibuule is making a bold return to the political scene in Mukono North County.
Once swept out of office by the opposition wave in the 2021 general elections, Kibuule is now being welcomed back as a hero—by both longtime NRM loyalists and former opposition supporters who now say they regret turning their backs on him.
During a vibrant tour on Friday following the NRM sub-county primaries, Kibuule visited several areas, including Nama Sub- County headquarters and the villages of Ntonto, Kasenene, and Kiwumu in both Nama and Kyampisi sub-counties.
The excitement on the ground was palpable. Crowds of all ages danced, waved palm fronds, and chanted his name. Children raced ahead of his convoy, waving branches and joyfully leading the way to every rally centers.
From Opposition to Embrace
Perhaps the most telling sign of Kibuule’s political resurgence is the growing number of defectors returning to the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) under his influence.
In Ntonto village, Festo Matovu, a veteran of the Democratic Party (DP), publicly declared his defection to NRM.
“I’m happy to be home,” he said with a wide grin. “But I also regret taking this long to see the light.” His words were echoed by Palapande, a well-known grassroots mobilizer who defected to the National Unity Platform (NUP) during the last election cycle but has now returned to NRM, admitting he misled voters and wrongly cast his vote. “This time, I will not lose focus,” he pledged.
At Kasenene, residents gifted Kibuule a pregnant she-goat as a token of appreciation, while in Kiwumu, he was ceremoniously offered bananas and a rooster—gestures loaded with cultural symbolism that reflect trust, welcome, and blessing.
A Voice That Was Missed
Residents across the tour were united in their criticism of the current state of representation. Concerns poured in: land grabbing cases are on the rise, roads remain in disrepair, and access to clean water continues to be a major challenge.
They lamented that these issues have gone unaddressed in Parliament since Kibuule’s departure.
Rosco Baligenda, Director of New Foundation School in Ntonto, reflected on the difference in leadership. “When Kibuule was in office, we saw visible improvements in our community. Since he left, progress has stalled.”
Campaign of Reconnection
Kibuule, visibly energized by the reception, used the opportunity to make a heartfelt appeal for a second chance at leadership.
“Return my identity as the area MP for Mukono North County,” he said to cheering crowds. “If you do, we shall cry no more for development and proper service delivery.”
He assured residents of his renewed commitment to representing their voices in Parliament and emphasized his deep understanding of the constituency’s needs.
“This is where I live. These are my people. I know what to lobby for because I feel the same challenges you do,” he said.
Kibuule also positioned himself as a bridge between party structures and the grassroots.
While many NRM leaders are struggling to regain traction in opposition-leaning areas, his growing influence could signal a renewed NRM strategy anchored in local credibility.
Looking Ahead
Though he has yet to officially announce his candidacy for the 2026 elections after the party primaries, Ronald Kibuule’s recent activities leave little doubt about his intentions.
His grassroots engagements, swelling support base, and emotional reintegration into the community all point toward a determined comeback.
In a constituency once shaken by political shifts, Kibuule’s resurgence is proving that in Ugandan politics, redemption is possible—and sometimes, a comeback is stronger than the initial rise.