Former presidential candidate and seasoned security operative, Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Henry Tumukunde has officially picked nomination forms to contest as Member of Parliament for Rukungiri Municipality on the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) ticket.
The development marks a significant political pivot for the retired general who once challenged President Museveni in the 2021 general elections. Tumukunde cited shifting political dynamics and a deepening need for effective leadership as the driving force behind his decision to join the parliamentary race.
“Parliament misses a person like me,” Tumukunde remarked confidently after picking his forms. “The times have changed, and the challenges our country faces demand bold, experienced, and thoughtful voices in the House. I believe I can bring that,” he added.
Tumukunde’s move is already stirring conversation both within NRM circles and among opposition sympathizers, particularly because of his past confrontations with the very government he now seeks to represent under. However, insiders say his return signals a potential reconciliation and a strategic effort to contribute meaningfully to national development through legislative channels.
Rukungiri Municipality, historically a stronghold of opposition figure Dr. Kizza Besigye, is expected to be a hotbed of political competition in the 2026 elections. Tumukunde’s entry could redefine the contest and galvanize support from both NRM loyalists and undecided voters seeking pragmatic leadership.
As the 2026 general election season picks up momentum, Tumukunde’s re-entry into mainstream politics will be closely watched, not just for the race in Rukungiri, but also for what it could mean for the broader political landscape in Uganda.
