Political discussions have intensified within sections of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) after a group of senior party cadres reportedly proposed popular journalist and media personality Isaac Katende, widely known as Kasuku, for the position of Kampala Resident City Commissioner (RCC). The proposal emerged during a weekend discussion on a WhatsApp platform known as the Senior NRM Cadres Network, where members shared names of individuals they believe have demonstrated commitment to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and the NRM.
Kasuku’s name reportedly attracted considerable attention during the discussion, with several contributors suggesting that he should be considered for the influential Kampala City position in the anticipated reshuffle of Resident District Commissioners (RDCs) and Resident City Commissioners. His name appeared fourth on a list containing more than 170 individuals whom the contributors described as committed supporters of the NRM’s political principles and the historical mission of the National Resistance Army (NRA) revolution.
The list reportedly featured several prominent political figures, government officials, security personalities, religious leaders, businesspeople and individuals associated with the NRM establishment. Among those mentioned were General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, Vice President Jessica Alupo, Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, Minister Milly Babalanda, General Salim Saleh, General Kale Kayihura and former Prime Minister Ruhakana Rugunda, among many others.
Kasuku’s inclusion has drawn attention because of his profile in Uganda’s media and entertainment industry, where he has built a reputation as a journalist, presenter and outspoken commentator. His political engagements have also brought him into conversations involving senior government officials, including President Museveni, whom he has previously met during engagements involving Uganda’s creative industry and digital media personalities.
The discussion comes at a time when changes involving RDCs and RCCs are attracting public attention following revelations by Permanent Secretary in the Office of the President, Hajji Yunus Kakande, that a reshuffle was planned for October 2026. Kakande indicated that some commissioners could be dropped over performance concerns while others would be transferred to different stations as government reorganises its administrative structures.
For Kampala, the possibility of a new RCC has generated interest because the position involves representing the President in the city, monitoring government programmes and coordinating government activities. However, the WhatsApp discussion should not be confused with an official nomination or appointment, since the names reportedly shared by the cadres represent their suggestions and preferences rather than a confirmed government decision.
It remains to be seen whether Kasuku’s name will receive consideration during the anticipated changes or whether the President will settle for other individuals. The final decision on appointments and transfers rests with the appointing authority, and any official changes are expected to be communicated through the relevant government channels.
For now, Kasuku’s appearance among the names proposed by the NRM cadres has added a new dimension to discussions surrounding the anticipated reshuffle, with attention turning to whether the popular journalist could eventually transition from the media industry into an official government position.
