State Minister for Microfinance Kyeyune Haruna Kasolo has denied claims that he bribed his way into office as the newly elected NRM Deputy Chairperson for Central Region, saying his victory was legitimate and widely supported.
Kasolo, who returned to Greater Masaka on Sunday to a jubilant welcome that drew crowds from Nyendo to Kyotera, described the allegations from some party members as baseless and politically motivated.
“I thought all that was just TikTok noise because those opposing our victory have mostly been seen on TikTok saying all sorts of things that don’t make sense. But if they are serious, they should stop complaining online and present their concerns in the proper party structures,” Kasolo told supporters.
His critics, including Moses Kalangwa and his allies, have accused him of voter bribery during the elections. But Kasolo maintained that the allegations are an attempt to undermine the democratic choice of delegates, noting that the overwhelming celebrations across Masaka and beyond reflected the people’s confidence in his leadership.
The minister vowed that instead of being distracted by what he called “unfounded claims,” he would focus on reviving NRM’s support base in Central Uganda, a region that has often leaned towards the opposition.
“We want to urgently address all the issues that have caused our people to lose confidence in the NRM party,” he said.
Among his key priorities, Kasolo highlighted tackling land grabbing, which he described as a personal mission. In a gesture of reconciliation, he announced that even his former rivals would be included in committees aimed at resolving community challenges.
“I want to work with everyone—even those we were competing with—because we can still unite for the good of our party. It’s on this note that I want to appoint Mr. Moses Kalangwa on a committee that will identify all land grabbers in the Central Region,” he revealed.
Despite the disputes, Kasolo’s homecoming turned into a massive celebration, underscoring his popularity in Masaka sub-region and signaling what he says is a new chapter for NRM’s presence in Central Uganda.
