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Annet Katusiime Mugisha with Mawanda Micheal and Alhajj Hassan Basajjabalaba during the NRM structural elections
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By Our Reporter
Bushenyi
Once celebrated as “Mugore” (the bride) who charmed Bushenyi with her humility and energetic campaign spirit, Woman MP Annet Katusiime Mugisha is now struggling to win back the hearts of voters who once adored her.
In the 2020 NRM primaries, Katusiime shocked many when she defeated the late former minister Mary Karooro Okurut by more than 50,000 votes. Her victory was seen as a new chapter in Bushenyi politics and a major milestone for women’s leadership in the district. Five years later, however, the political tide appears to have shifted. Some residents say Katusiime has lost touch with the ordinary people who helped her rise to power.
The NRM electoral commission official nominates Annet Katusiime flanked by her Husband Eng. Dr. Silver Mugisha
Others attribute her dwindling support to the conduct of a few of her supporters who were employed by the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC), where her husband, Eng. Dr. Silver Mugisha, serves as Managing Director. There have been complaints that some of these youths have misbehaved in public, insulted people, and even been accused of petty theft.
While touring the progress of an Shs 11.8 billion water project at Warugo in Kakanju Sub-county last year, Dr. Mugisha publicly warned NWSC employees against corruption and indiscipline, emphasizing that such behavior tarnishes the image of the corporation.
“National Water workers from Bushenyi drink alcohol every day using money from illegal activities. They make illegal water connections. When you try to punish them, they complain to their supervisors, saying they supported Annet Katusiime. What is for Annet is for Annet; what is for National is for National,” he said.
Dr. Mugisha warned that anyone found engaging in such misconduct would face strict disciplinary action.
The Annet–Basajjabalaba alliance
In the NRM structural elections held in May this year, Bushenyi District NRM Chairperson Alhajj Hassan Basajjabalaba reconciled with Katusiime, whom he had not supported in 2020. The two are now seen working closely together.
During the same elections, Katusiime was voted Vice Chairperson of the NRM in Bushenyi District. The decision sparked mixed reactions, with some party members accusing her of being greedy for power.
“We were surprised that Hon. Katusiime, who is already the Woman MP, also wanted the party post,” said one delegate. “She should have given a chance to others.”
Katusiime defeated her rival, Bushenyi businesswoman Mutambara Faridah, to secure the position.
Tough road ahead
Some political observers say the new alliance between Katusiime and Basajjabalaba is intended to strengthen the NRM ahead of the 2026 general elections. However, others believe it could deepen divisions within the party and potentially lead to a protest vote against her.
As Bushenyi heads into another election season, all eyes are on Mugore Annet Katusiime to see whether she can regain the love and trust of her people — or if her political star is beginning to fade.
Empty promises
During her campaigns, Katusiime often told voters that previous leaders had failed to lobby for development despite holding influential positions in government. Five years later, many residents say little has changed.
In Bitooma Town Council in Igara West, for instance, some electricity poles erected in 2019 are now rotting or have been used as firewood. Many areas of the district still lack basic electricity infrastructure.
Health services have also lagged behind. Bushenyi District, once hailed as a model district, still lacks a district hospital. Plans to upgrade Kyabugimbi Health Centre IV into a hospital remain unfulfilled, while sub-counties such as Nkanga and Kizinda-Kigoma Town Council still have no government hospitals.
Residents now say that many of the promises made during the campaigns remain unfulfilled — raising serious questions about the effectiveness of the current leadership.
Torch Media Africa
