Blaise Kamugisha, the former national coordinator of the Crime Preventers and one-time blue-eyed boy of ex-IGP Gen. Kale Kayihura, has announced his intention to contest for the position of National Resistance Movement (NRM) Vice Chairperson for the Western Region.
The position is currently occupied by ICT Minister Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, who also serves as a member of the Central Executive Committee (CEC), the highest decision-making organ of the ruling party chaired by President Yoweri Museveni.
Kamugisha’s declaration marks a significant shift in the political landscape within the NRM, as he attempts to transition from a background in youth mobilization and security coordination to top-tier party leadership.
Once seen as the youthful face of community policing through the Crime Preventers initiative, Kamugisha’s political ambition now places him directly in contest with one of the most prominent ministers in Museveni’s cabinet.
“This is a generational call. Our region needs a more vibrant and grassroots-oriented representation in CEC,” Kamugisha is quoted to have told his supporters, while emphasizing the need for stronger youth inclusion in the party’s strategic decisions.
The Vice Chair (Western) role is not merely symbolic—it wields considerable influence in shaping the direction of the party across the western region, the political bedrock of NRM.
The holder of this seat automatically becomes a member of CEC, where national policies, endorsements, and party leadership strategies are debated and decided.
Dr. Baryomunsi, who has held the position since 2020, is considered a strong Museveni loyalist and an articulate spokesperson for the government.
Unseating him would require substantial grassroots mobilization, influence within party structures, and likely the blessing—or at least tolerance—of the top leadership.
Observers note that Kamugisha’s move could stir internal party dynamics, especially among the youth and former security affiliates.
His past closeness to Gen. Kayihura, who was later sidelined, adds an intriguing political subplot, as Kamugisha attempts to reframe his narrative from former loyalist to independent power player.
With internal NRM elections drawing near, Kamugisha’s challenge may serve as a litmus test for whether the ruling party is ready for generational leadership change or remains firmly in the grip of its long-serving stalwarts.
