Museveni Names Bonny Kashaija as New Parish Development Model Head

President Yoweri Museveni has appointed Bonny Kashaija, a former Mbarara City NRM aspirant, to take charge of the Parish Development Model (PDM). Kashaija replaces Joverine Kaliisa, the former Ibanda District Woman MP who has been serving as National Deputy Coordinator.

The announcement came after a meeting at State House involving Museveni, Kashaija, and former Mbarara Municipality MP Michael Tusiime. Both politicians had recently lost their NRM primaries—Kashaija to Rita Akatukwasa and Tusiime to Christopher Bakashaba.

The President revealed that the two had been persuaded not to contest as independents following mediation led by Uganda’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Adonia Ayebare.

“I want to thank Hon. Michael Tusiime and Hon. Bonny Kashaija for patriotically agreeing not to stand for elections as independents in order not to divide our people,” Museveni said.

He acknowledged the complaints they raised about irregularities in the primaries, which the duo described as having a “criminal angle,” but assured them their grievances would be handled.

“They have agreed not to contest as independents in order not to divide our party and people, and I am very happy with them. I have deployed Kashaija to do the work of PDM, replacing Kaliisa, who was there, and I will see how to deploy Tusiime as well,” the President added.

Kashaija, in his remarks, pledged to dedicate himself to strengthening the ruling party and implementing the President’s poverty eradication strategies.

“I promise that I will work tirelessly to promote the NRM. We shall be at the forefront,” he said, highlighting his commitment to the 4-acre model, a cornerstone of the PDM.

Tusiime echoed a similar spirit of loyalty, emphasizing unity and the need to continue sensitizing Ugandans about poverty eradication.

Kaliisa, whom Kashaija succeeds, served as Ibanda Woman MP between 2016 and 2021 and unsuccessfully sought re-election in the 2021–2026 cycle.