In a bold political gesture aimed at fostering national unity, Security Minister Maj. Gen. Jim Muhwezi has extended an olive branch to Uganda’s opposition leaders, urging them to set aside partisan divisions and work with the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) to accelerate the country’s development.
Speaking at a well-attended rally in Rukungiri District, where he also serves as the Member of Parliament for Rujumbura County, Muhwezi described political cooperation as a vital ingredient in tackling Uganda’s long-standing development challenges.
“Unity is a fundamental pillar for our national growth. In the spirit of togetherness, I invite everyone, including those in the opposition, to come on board,” said Hon. Muhwezi.
Framing the call as a national appeal rather than a political tactic, the veteran minister emphasized the transformative power of collective leadership regardless of party lines.
“Our nation can benefit greatly from collaborative efforts aimed at enhancing service delivery and ensuring that every Ugandan enjoys basic amenities,” he added.
Muhwezi used the platform to underscore the achievements of the NRM government, pointing to gains in sectors such as health, education, road infrastructure, and poverty eradication.
He argued that expanding the political conversation to include the opposition could further boost service delivery and bridge regional disparities.
His remarks come at a time when Uganda’s political environment is beginning to shift gears ahead of the next general elections.
Analysts see his overture as both a gesture of national dialogue and a tactical move to extend the ruling party’s influence into spaces traditionally held by opposition voices.
Among the local audience in Rukungiri, reactions were varied. NRM supporters welcomed the call for unity, viewing it as a sign of leadership maturity and a step toward national cohesion.
But some opposition figures expressed doubt, citing historical mistrust and unmet promises of inclusive governance.
Past efforts to build political consensus have often been undermined by accusations of tokenism, lack of transparency, and unequal treatment of political rivals issues that continue to fuel skepticism within opposition circles.
Nonetheless, local leaders in the region remain staunch in their support of Muhwezi’s leadership.
Chris Kagayano, Chairperson of Bwambara Sub County, credited the minister with tangible improvements in service delivery.“Due to Jim Muhwezi’s outstanding service delivery efforts in our area, his people from all parishes are determined to overwhelmingly support him to retain the seat,” Kagayano said.
As Uganda edges closer to another election cycle, observers believe Muhwezi’s inclusive messaging could be part of a broader strategy by the NRM to woo moderate voters and disillusioned opposition supporters.
With political allegiances increasingly fluid, the appeal to unity may find resonance if backed by concrete actions.
Whether the opposition embraces the call remains to be seen. But Muhwezi’s message has injected a new dynamic into the political discourse one that shifts the conversation from confrontation to collaboration, at least for now.
