By Nelly Otto
JINJA
In a landslide victory that has left many politicians in the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party smiling, Moses Batwala has emerged as the new party Chairman of Jinja District Local Council 5, unopposed.
The jubilant politician, who hails from Namagera in Butagaya Sub County, won the NRM chairmanship position after his lone opponent, Samuel Mwesigwa, withdrew from the race at the eleventh hour.
According to eyewitnesses, the voting process, which involved lining behind candidates, had already commenced when Mwesigwa, a former Buwenge Town Council Chairman and Jinja District Councilor, announced his withdrawal.
The reasons behind Mwesigwa’s sudden decision remain unclear, but his supporters alleged that the election was marred by irregularities and malpractices, including the smuggling of non-party members and the disenfranchisement of registered members deemed to be supporting him.
However, Moses Batwala dismissed these allegations as ‘irrelevant and baseless practices of bad losers.’
He maintains that his victory was transparent and witnessed by everyone, including security personnel. “My victory came in broad daylight, and everyone saw how it happened,” Batwala said confidently.
“This victory is not just a testament to my leadership skills, but also a reflection of the trust and confidence that NRM members have in me. I promise to work tirelessly to ensure that our party remains the most formidable force in Jinja District and beyond,” Batwala declared.
This is not Batwala’s first time sailing to victory unopposed. In the 2021 general elections, he also won the Jinja district chairmanship position without any opposition.
The seasoned politician has served as a councilor for Butagaya Sub County for twenty years, earning him a reputation as a formidable figure in Jinja District politics.
Speaking shortly after his declaration as the winner, Moses Batwala promised to leverage his popularity to mobilize residents massively ahead of the 2026 general elections.
“My victory is another added vote of confidence, a sign that I am one of the best mobilizers in greater Jinja and Busoga as a whole,” he said.
Batwala now counts himself among the big names and powerful politicians in the region, citing his mobilization skills as comparable to those of First Deputy Prime Minister/EAC Affairs Minister Rt Hon Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga and Presidency Minister Hon Milly Babirye Babalanda.
“We are not just winning elections; we are building a legacy. A legacy of leadership, service, and dedication to the people. I am proud to be part of this team, and I promise to work with all stakeholders to ensure that our party remains relevant and effective,” Batwala said.
Contrary to critics who claim that NRM candidates will lose to opposition NUP aspirants, as was the case in 2021, Batwala believes that the opposite is true.
He attributes the NRM’s past losses to the disorganization caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced the party to adopt virtual campaigns. “Now that our cadres are alive and vigilant, we are poised to reclaim our lost glory,” Batwala declared.
“The people of Jinja District and Busoga as a whole have given us a mandate to lead, and we will not disappoint. We will work tirelessly to deliver on our promises and ensure that our party remains the most popular and influential force in the region,” Batwala added.
The newly elected NRM Chairman has called upon party members to consolidate the gains and work towards ensuring that Jinja and Busoga regain their status as NRM strongholds.
He emphasized that the NRM is a people-centered party with a focus on service delivery, unlike other parties whose leaders and members are driven by hate and self-interest. “We must ensure that our party remains relevant and continues to deliver to the people,” Batwala said.
With his victory, Batwala joins the list of political heavyweights who have won unopposed and are now waiting for about 7 months to renew their mandates.
As he looks ahead to the 2026 general elections, Batwala’s leadership will undoubtedly be crucial in determining the NRM’s fortunes in Jinja District and beyond.
Moses Batwala’s reputation as a down-to-earth leader who actively engages with his constituents is well-deserved. As the District Chairman of Jinja District Local Government, he has demonstrated his commitment to being present at important social functions, such as funerals and marriages, which has earned him the affection and admiration of the residents.
Batwala’s ability to connect with the common people is further enhanced by his effective use of local radio stations to disseminate information and participate in discussions on topical issues.
With over 10 local radio stations in Jinja, Batwala has leveraged these platforms to share his insights and engage with the community, solidifying his image as a “common man’s leader.
