NRM urges Busia leaders to stay out of Kenya politics

What the report says

Uganda’s ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) has told party leaders and residents in Busia District, a key border area with Kenya, to stay out of Kenyan politics ahead of Kenya’s next general election. According to The Independent Uganda, NRM national treasurer Barbra Nekesa Oundo delivered the message during an economic mobilisation meeting in Masafu Town Council, urging leaders to focus on wealth creation and household income rather than cross-border political activity.

The warning was framed around the economic importance of the Uganda-Kenya border. Busia is one of the busiest crossing points between the two countries, and local trade, family ties and movement of people are closely linked to stability along the border. Nekesa said political tensions could strain relations between communities and disrupt commerce, while also stressing the broader value of peaceful regional relations and East African integration.

Busia District NRM chairman Isaac Muwanguzi echoed the call, saying some residents may hold identification documents from both countries and should be discouraged from taking part in campaigning across the border. Local voices cited in the report showed mixed reactions: one party leader said the message changed his mind about campaigning in Kenya, while another said cross-border family links make separation difficult even if the need for peace is understood.

The Independent Uganda reported that the remarks come as Kenya prepares for its August 10, 2027 poll. The broader context is that border communities often depend on open trade and stable relations, so political disputes in one country can have direct economic effects on the other.