By David Mwanje
Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, the Minister of Information, Communication Technology, and National Guidance, has secured a significant boost in his campaign to retain the National Resistance Movement (NRM) National Vice Chairperson position for Western Uganda. On Saturday, August 16, 2025, delegates from the Lango sub-region pledged their full support during a vibrant meeting at Good News Hotel in Lira City, promising a bloc vote for the upcoming Central Executive Committee (CEC) elections.
Dr. Baryomunsi, the incumbent NRM Vice Chairperson for Western Uganda since 2021, has been a pivotal figure in the ruling party. A seasoned politician and Kinkizi East MP, he previously challenged Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Matayo Kyaligonza for the same position, leveraging his extensive experience as a former Minister of Health and Minister of Lands to secure the role. His tenure has been marked by efforts to strengthen the NRM’s grassroots structures and promote party unity, earning him praise for his accessibility and commitment to President Yoweri Museveni’s vision. Political analysts note that Baryomunsi’s ability to balance his demanding ministerial duties with party leadership has solidified his reputation as a reliable and dynamic leader, though some critics argue his multiple roles risk diluting his focus.
Addressing the Lango delegates, Baryomunsi emphasized revitalizing the NRM Youth League to counter perceptions that the party caters only to older generations. “We must craft messages that attract young people to the party. Some wrongly believe NRM is only for the elderly,” he said, advocating for increased investment in grassroots mobilization to keep party structures vibrant. He also promised to equip all NRM district offices with laptops to boost digital capacity and efficiency, a move analysts say aligns with his ICT expertise and could appeal to younger voters.
The upcoming NRM Delegates’ Conference, set for August 27–28, 2025, at Kololo Independence Grounds in Kampala, will see over 24,000 delegates vote for CEC positions, including the Western Region Vice Chairperson. Baryomunsi faces stiff competition from 11 contenders, including Eng. Jonard Asiimwe, a Bunyoro businessman leading recent polls due to his youth-focused initiatives; Michael Mawanda Maranga, MP and Patriotic League of Uganda mobilization director; Blaise Kamugisha, former Crime Preventers coordinator; Duncan Abigaba, a former presidential assistant; Isaac Rukunda Akampurira, a political activist; and Patrick Kiconco Katabaazi, a senior economist. Despite the crowded field, Baryomunsi remains confident, assuring delegates of “good treatment and full facilitation” at the conference and touting his experience as a key advantage. “As good delegates, listen to all candidates but I believe I am the best,” he declared.
Analysts expect a tight race, with Asiimwe’s grassroots popularity and Kamugisha’s youth support posing significant challenges. However, Baryomunsi’s incumbency, national name recognition, and strategic alliances, such as his endorsement of Speaker Anita Among, bolster his prospects. The Lango sub-region’s bloc vote could prove decisive, signaling strong regional support for his leadership. As the conference approaches, Baryomunsi’s focus on youth engagement and digital innovation positions him as a forward-thinking candidate, ready to steer the NRM’s Western Region toward a dynamic future.
