The Tumukunde NRM comeback has stirred debate as the retired General repositions himself in Uganda’s political landscape. Although he contested against President Museveni in 2021, Gen. Henry Tumukunde now says he never left the NRM. Instead, he insists that his past actions aimed to strengthen, not harm, the party.
During an interview with NBS TV, Tumukunde clarified his decision to form Renewed Uganda. According to him, it wasn’t an opposition platform. Rather, it served as a pressure group to guard NRM values from within. He stressed that abandoning the party was never part of his plan.
“Let it be on record, I never left NRM,” Tumukunde stated. “I only formed a pressure group called Renewed Uganda. I had a serious belief that we should not let people disorganize the NRM party that we fought hard to build.”
Now, as he campaigns for the Rukungiri Municipality MP seat, he claims that his return is based on a renewed sense of direction. Moreover, he expressed disappointment with Uganda’s fragmented opposition. In his words, many leaders appeared confused—some operating half within NRM and half within opposition ranks.
“There is something that disappointed me and Gen. Muntu,” he added. “In many meetings, you could tell that some people acted in opposition only to gain benefits, not to serve.”
Meanwhile, political analyst Dr. John Paul Kasujja questioned Tumukunde’s change of course. He argued that Tumukunde needs to explain what has changed since 2021. After all, he once ran for the highest office on an anti-NRM platform, yet now he returns under the party’s ticket for a lesser role.
“Instead of following through with his original mission, he has now assimilated into the very party he once opposed,” Dr. Kasujja said. “This shift suggests personal ambition rather than national commitment.”
Furthermore, Kasujja suggested that Tumukunde’s return signals that some politicians prioritize personal gain over long-term national reform. This, he warned, erodes public trust in political consistency.
Despite criticism, Tumukunde remains confident. He believes his leadership experience and military background will earn him support in Rukungiri. He promises to push for development and stronger representation in Parliament.
As the NRM primaries approach, Tumukunde’s comeback raises questions about loyalty, integrity, and strategic rebranding. Nevertheless, he maintains that he never truly abandoned the party. His Tumukunde NRM comeback reflects both a return to his political roots and a calculated step forward.
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