Angry NRM Mobilizers Hunt for Presidential Advisor Peace Rugambwa Over Alleged Unpaid Shs200 Million Allowances

Fresh drama has erupted inside the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) after angry mobilizers in Rukungiri accused Senior Presidential Advisor on Agriculture and Local People Peace Rugambwa of failing to pay them campaign allowances allegedly amounting to more than Shs200 million.

The controversy has quickly turned into one of the most talked-about political stories in southwestern Uganda, with reports claiming Rugambwa has allegedly gone into hiding after furious mobilizers threatened protests and demanded immediate payment.

According to the mobilizers, Rugambwa personally recruited them during the 2026 general election campaigns to conduct door-to-door mobilization for President Yoweri Museveni and other NRM flag bearers across several districts in western Uganda.

The mobilizers claim Rugambwa repeatedly told them she communicated directly with President Museveni on a daily basis and assured them that their payments had been guaranteed. They say many of them spent their own money on transport, airtime, meals, and campaign activities after being promised compensation once the elections ended.

The disgruntled group, which includes parish, constituency, and district-level coordinators, alleges they were promised different amounts depending on their responsibilities. Some claim district coordinators were promised millions of shillings, while parish mobilizers expected hundreds of thousands each for their work during the campaigns.

Tensions reportedly escalated after months passed without payment. Several mobilizers now accuse Rugambwa of switching off her phones, changing contacts, and avoiding communication altogether as pressure mounted from unpaid campaign workers.

Some of the mobilizers gathered in Rukungiri this week and openly threatened demonstrations if the government failed to intervene. Others reportedly warned that Rugambwa risked being attacked by angry supporters demanding their money.

The scandal has become even more explosive after some mobilizers accused Rugambwa’s campaign team of allegedly staging fake defections from opposition parties including the Forum for Democratic Change and the National Unity Platform during the election period.

According to the allegations, individuals were allegedly recruited and given opposition party cards to create the impression that large numbers of opposition supporters were crossing to the NRM.

The mobilizers are now appealing directly to President Museveni to personally intervene and help recover their money, arguing that the dispute is creating deep divisions within NRM structures in southwestern Uganda.

By press time, Rugambwa had not publicly responded to the latest allegations. Multiple media outlets reported that efforts to reach her by phone were unsuccessful.