Grief and disbelief have engulfed Butaleja District following the sudden and tragic death of Joseph Muyonjo, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) flag bearer for the LC5 chairperson seat.
Muyonjo, a veteran educationist, community leader, and entrepreneur, passed away on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at Mbale Regional Referral Hospital. His death followed severe internal complications that he reportedly attributed to poisoning before his demise.
The late Muyonjo was not only a political figure but also a mentor and role model to many, known for his dedication to transforming the education landscape in Butaleja District. He owned and managed several schools that provided affordable and quality education to children in the region.
Butaleja District Woman Member of Parliament, Florence Andiru Nebanda, expressed deep sorrow over the loss, describing Muyonjo as both a close political ally and a visionary leader.
“I have already informed the NRM Secretary General about the matter and was promised feedback today,” she said in an interview on Friday.
Nebanda recalled their shared political journey, noting that the two had campaigned together in 2016 but lost to the strong political wave at the time. She praised the late Muyonjo for his commitment to community development, highlighting his investments and contribution to education and youth empowerment in Butaleja.
“He was a true patriot who believed in the power of education to change lives,” she remarked.
Joel Funa, a parliamentary candidate for Bunyole West Constituency, eulogized Muyonjo as an intelligent and visionary leader who used his position as a school director to mentor many young people.
“Muyonjo was a brainy school director who mentored many. We condemn the bad politics in Butaleja District and urge our colleagues in the race to always think before acting,” he stated, calling for an end to the growing political hostility in the area.
Funa emphasized that the district remains deeply divided along political and personal lines and urged voters to prioritize unity in the forthcoming elections.
Muhammed Ali Hafunjo, the NRM Administrative Secretary for Butaleja District, described Muyonjo’s death as an unprecedented tragedy in the district’s political history.
“It is the first time Butaleja has lost a flag bearer after official nomination,” Hafunjo said tearfully, as he confirmed that the NRM leadership was already writing to the Independent Electoral Commission to seek guidance on the way forward.
He further announced that the late Muyonjo would be laid to rest on Sunday in Bingo, Nawanjofu Sub-county, urging NRM supporters and residents to turn up in large numbers to give him a dignified farewell.
Before his death, Muyonjo had a long and decorated career in public service. He served as a district councillor for Nawanjofu Sub-county for 15 years when the area was still part of Tororo District. He later became the LC5 Chairperson of Butaleja District from 2011 to 2016, where he was credited for improving infrastructure, promoting education, and supporting local farmers.
Despite losing the 2016 election to Mr. Richard Waya, Muyonjo remained a strong voice in Butaleja politics. In the recent NRM primaries, he contested against six candidates and emerged victorious despite battling illness during the campaign period.
During his previous leadership, Muyonjo appointed Michael Higenyi Bore as his vice chairperson. However, the two reportedly fell out in recent years after Muyonjo declared his intention to contest again, accusing the incumbent of failing to deliver on key development promises.
The late Joseph Muyonjo will be remembered as a committed leader, educator, and unifier who devoted his life to uplifting the people of Butaleja through service, education, and faith in the principles of the NRM.
His untimely death leaves behind a political void and a community struggling to come to terms with the loss of a man many considered a pillar of progress and hope.
