Hon. Kiwanda Confident of CEC Re-election, Citing Clean Record and Service to Party

As the Central Executive Committee (CEC) delegates’ conference draws closer, all eyes are on Kololo Independence Grounds where elections for the ruling party’s top organ will take place on the 27th and 28th of this month. Among the key contenders is the incumbent National Vice Chairperson for the Central Region, Hon. Godfrey Kiwanda Suubi, who has expressed strong optimism about retaining his seat.

Speaking to the press on Friday, Hon. Kiwanda pointed to his clean political record, long-standing service, and loyalty to the National Resistance Movement (NRM) as the foundation of his confidence. Unlike some of his rivals, whom he accused of being tainted by corruption scandals and land grabbing controversies, Kiwanda says he has served with integrity.

“I have been in NRM for over two decades, but you have never heard that I was involved in stealing anything. Even when I was Minister of Tourism, I didn’t take even a small wild rabbit. But some of my opponents have multiple issues from stealing public funds to forcefully evicting people from their land,” Kiwanda emphasized.

He further cited the misuse of Emyooga funds as a clear example of how some political figures had failed the public. According to him, those implicated in such scandals are now spending heavily in an attempt to bribe delegates, but he remains confident that voters will choose a leader whose record speaks for itself.

“The CEC is the nerve center of our party. It is not a place for just anyone seeking prestige. It is for leaders who come with clean hands, and I believe the delegates know who will serve them best,” Kiwanda added.

A close ally of President Yoweri Museveni, Kiwanda has often been seen at the President’s side, even serving as his interpreter during public functions. He notes that his understanding of the President’s vision and the party’s ideology uniquely positions him to continue steering the Central Region within the NRM framework.

Throughout his tenure, Kiwanda has been credited for implementing programs aligned with the NRM manifesto. His “Kisoboka” initiative promoted agriculture in rural communities, empowering many farmers in the Central Region. During his time as Minister of Tourism, he championed the “Tulambule Uganda” campaign, which not only showcased Uganda’s tourism potential but also reinvigorated domestic tourism.

His hands-on approach and visible presence in communities have earned him recognition as one of the most active ministers during his time in cabinet.

As the CEC elections approach, delegates will weigh not just promises but also integrity, service, and loyalty to the party. For Hon. Kiwanda, his bet is that his clean past and proven record of service will give him the edge.