As the National Resistance Movement (NRM) prepares for its internal elections to select Central Executive Committee (CEC) members, the race for Vice Chairperson, Western Region, is shaping up to be a defining contest.
Among the contenders, Michael Maranga Mawanda, the Igara County East MP, emerges as the strongest candidate.
His political experience, alignment with emerging NRM dynamics, commitment to grassroots mobilization, and resilience in the face of challenges make him the ideal leader to represent Western Uganda and advance the party’s agenda ahead of the 2026 general elections.
A Seasoned Politician with Deep Regional Roots
Michael Mawanda’s political journey is rooted in Western Uganda, specifically Bushenyi District, where he was born in 1967.
His long-standing connection to the region, coupled with his service as MP for Igara East since 2011, gives him a profound understanding of its challenges and aspirations.
Mawanda’s electoral success, first as an NRM candidate in 2011 and later as an independent in 2016 and 2021, demonstrates his ability to maintain voter loyalty despite shifting political tides.
This resilience underscores his appeal as a unifying figure in a region critical to the NRM’s dominance.
Mawanda’s academic background—a Bachelor of Arts from Makerere University—and his role as Vice Chairperson at Kampala International University reflect his intellectual capacity and leadership versatility.
These qualities equip him to navigate the complex responsibilities of the NRM Vice Chairperson, which include policy formulation, regional mobilization, and representing Western Uganda’s interests within the CEC.
A Mobilizer with PLU’s Forward-Looking Vision
Mawanda’s candidacy is bolstered by his prominent role as Director of Mobilization for the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), a civic organization closely aligned with the NRM.
His leadership in the PLU, which rebranded from the MK Movement in 2024, positions him at the forefront of a dynamic political force backed by Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the PLU Chairman and Chief of Defence Forces.
Mawanda’s declaration for the Vice Chairperson seat on March 3, 2025, reflects his commitment to integrating PLU’s patriotic and youth-focused vision into the NRM’s structures, a move endorsed by Kainerugaba.
Quoting Theodore Roosevelt, Mawanda has emphasized informed voting, stating, “A vote is like a rifle, its usefulness depends upon the character of the user.”
This call for purposeful political engagement resonates with Western Uganda’s electorate, particularly the youth, who face a 62% unemployment rate and seek leaders with fresh perspectives.
Mawanda’s PLU role has seen him champion national unity, anti-corruption efforts, and sustainable development, aligning with the NRM’s stated goals of stability and economic growth.
His ability to mobilize diverse groups, as evidenced by his leadership in launching the PLU’s Diaspora Chapter in London alongside Balaam Barugahara, underscores his capacity to connect with both local and global Ugandan communities.
Resilience Amid Political Challenges
Mawanda’s candidacy is not without hurdles, notably his 2024 arrest on corruption charges linked to war loss compensation funds for cooperatives.
However, he has dismissed these allegations as “politically motivated blackmail,” maintaining his innocence while the case remains before the courts.
His release on bail in August 2024 and continued campaign focus demonstrate his resilience, a critical trait for a leader navigating the NRM’s fractious internal dynamics.
Gen. Kainerugaba’s vocal support, describing Mawanda as a “political prisoner” targeted for his PLU affiliation, further strengthens his standing among supporters who view him as a victim of political maneuvering.
This resilience is particularly relevant in Western Uganda, an NRM stronghold where competition for the Vice Chairperson seat is fierce.
Mawanda faces formidable opponents, including the incumbent, Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, and Workers’ MP Arinaitwe Rwakajara.
Yet, his ability to challenge Baryomunsi, a seasoned minister, signals his confidence in offering a fresh leadership style that prioritizes grassroots engagement over entrenched hierarchies.
A Bridge Between Tradition and Renewal
Western Uganda, encompassing districts like Bushenyi, Mbarara, and Kabale, has historically been a bedrock of NRM support, thanks to President Yoweri Museveni’s regional ties.
However, the region faces evolving challenges, including youth unemployment and demands for greater political inclusion.
Mawanda’s candidacy bridges the NRM’s traditional strengths with a forward-looking approach.
His PLU affiliation aligns him with younger voters and emerging leaders, while his NRM loyalty ensures continuity with the party’s core values.
Mawanda’s emphasis on ideological growth and learning from past challenges, as articulated in his candidacy announcement, positions him as a reflective leader capable of addressing the NRM’s internal disorganization, as noted by critics.
His pledge to work collaboratively within the CEC to tackle national issues like corruption and economic disparity reflects a commitment to practical governance, which Western Uganda’s electorate values.
A Unifying Leader for 2026
The Vice Chairperson for Western Uganda must unify diverse regional interests, mobilize voters, and counter opposition gains, particularly from the National Unity Platform (NUP), which is intensifying its efforts in the region.
Mawanda’s track record as a mobilizer, his regional roots, and his alignment with the PLU’s patriotic agenda make him uniquely suited for this role.
His candidacy represents an opportunity for the NRM to reinvigorate its Western Uganda base while integrating new voices into its leadership.
As the 2026 elections approach, the NRM needs a Vice Chairperson who can inspire confidence and deliver results.
Michael Mawanda’s experience, resilience, and vision position him as the best candidate to lead Western Uganda within the CEC.
His leadership offers a chance to strengthen the NRM’s regional dominance while addressing the aspirations of a new generation.