The National Resistance Movement (NRM) party’s highly anticipated parliamentary primaries have delivered a mix of shocks, upsets, and confirmations as political heavyweights fell to newcomers, while some incumbents managed to retain their positions in tightly contested races across the country.
Biggest Upsets and New Faces to Watch
In Arua District’s Vurra County, Adriko Yovan, the incumbent MP, lost the NRM flag to Lenia Charity Kevin, a youthful former Vice Guild President of Makerere University Business School. This marks one of the most notable generational shifts in the party’s ongoing primary elections.
In Mbarara District, Patrick Musinguzi, the NRM Vice Chairman for the district, pulled off a stunning victory over the incumbent Bazil Bataringaya to clinch the Kashari North constituency flag. Rodgers Mugisha, the district NRM registrar, declared Musinguzi the winner.
Elsewhere in Kabale Municipality, Andrew Aja Baryayanga secured the NRM flag, confirming his grip on the constituency’s political landscape.
In Mbale City, Hon. Lydia Wanyoto Mutende emerged victorious, clinching the party flag for the Woman MP seat, reaffirming her influence within both the district and the party’s structures.
For Kwania County, Eron Tonny won the flag with 7,732 votes, representing nearly 50% of the total votes cast.
In Ngariam County, Ogwang Peter secured a landslide victory with 35,076 votes (89.4%), leaving his closest challenger, Mulalu Daniel, trailing with just 5.8%.
In Entebbe Municipality, Steven Shyaka Gashaija emerged the winner with 4,175 votes, comfortably defeating his opponents, Scholastica Gamba and Jovia Namara.
Key Incumbents Retain Seats
Some seasoned politicians managed to retain their party endorsements. Fredrick Ruhindi won back the NRM flag for Nakawa East with a commanding 8,619 votes. In Nakawa West, Herbert Anderson Burora secured victory with 3,075 votes.
David Kabanda retained the Kasambya Constituency flag with an overwhelming 74% of the vote in Mubende District.
In Kasanda District, Michael Bukenya Kyabikoola successfully defended his flag for Bukuya Constituency.
Minister of Defence Jacob Oboth Oboth held onto the West Budama Central flag with a dominant 29,317 votes.
Vice President Jessica Alupo secured the NRM flag unopposed for Katakwi District Woman MP.
Amelia Kyambadde won the Mawokota County North flag, while Susan Nakawuki Nsambu took Mawokota South.
Hotly Contested and Controversial Results
Several races sparked controversy, with defeated candidates alleging vote rigging and malpractice.
In Lwemiyaga County, Brig. Gen. (Rtd) Emmanuel Rwashande defeated long-serving MP Theodore Ssekikubo, who immediately rejected the outcome, calling the election fraudulent.
In Makindye Division, Aminah Lukanga Nanziri narrowly beat Shamim Nanfuma in a hotly contested Kampala Central Woman MP race. In Makindye West, Doreen Keita Kagabi emerged victorious with 10,925 votes and now faces NUP’s Allan Ssewanyana in the general elections.
In Soroti City, Sarah Inachu secured the Woman MP flag with 5,575 votes. In Masaka City, Justin Namere beat her rival by a wide margin.
In Igara East, Michael Mawanda clinched victory in a tight six-way race with 39% of the vote.
Former EALA MP Sarah Babirye Kityo won Bukoto East, defeating her opponent by over 3,000 votes.
In Butambala, Godfrey Bavekuno Mafumu Kyeswa secured the directly elected MP flag, while Noor Nakato won the Woman MP flag.
Heavyweights Fall
Some political figures failed to make it past the primaries. In Mbale Northern City Division, former RCC Hussein Hudu was defeated by Umar Nangoli. In Koboko Municipality, incumbent MP Dr. Charles Ayume defeated Mayor Wilson Sanya to retain the flag.
In Bukoto Mid-West, Emmanuel Kiyimba ousted incumbent Isaac Ssejjoba, while in Bukoto South, Hajji Muyanja Mbabaali beat Twaha Kagabo.
Security Concerns and Arrests
Police Spokesperson ACP Kituuma Rusoke reported that over 90 individuals had been arrested nationwide over electoral malpractices during the primaries. Incidents of violence were also reported despite heightened security measures.
Candidates Speak Out
Several party leaders and candidates noted concerns over voter turnout and the integrity of the process. Ayebare Margaret Rwebyambu, Mbarara District Woman MP, rejected the outcomes, citing widespread irregularities including voter bribery and falsified declaration forms.
Meanwhile, NRM’s Pollar Awich warned of the dangers of electoral violence ahead of the 2026 general elections.
The NRM primaries have once again proven to be a battleground not just for incumbents and hopefuls but for the soul of the party itself. As the dust settles, attention now shifts to how these newly endorsed flag bearers will navigate the broader national elections in 2026, amidst growing competition from opposition forces and independents.