By Swift News UG
The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party’s 2025 primary elections have produced dramatic wins and shocking losses across the country, as results continue to pour in from all corners of Uganda. The primaries, held to determine flag bearers for the 2026 general elections, saw both veteran politicians and fresh contenders battling it out for supremacy within the party.
Among the major victors is Speaker of Parliament Anita Among, who sailed through unopposed to retain her Bukedea Woman MP flag. Vice President Jessica Alupo also comfortably secured the Katakwi Woman MP slot.
Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa emerged victorious in Ruhinda North, while seasoned finance guru Matia Kasaija held onto Buyanja County in Kibaale District. General Jim Muhwezi also retained his grip on Rujumbura County in Rukungiri District.
Other high-profile wins include:
- Robinah Nabbanja – Kakumiro Woman MP
- Frank Tumwebaze – Kibale East
- Elioda Tumwesigye – Sheema North
- Dicksons Kateshumbwa – Sheema Municipality
- Moses Magogo – Budiope East
- Dr. Charles Ayume – Koboko Municipality
- Amelia Kyambadde – Mawokota North
- Rebecca Kadaga – Kamuli Woman MP
- Crispus Kiyonga – Bukonzo West
- Mily Babalanda – Budiope West
- Sarah Babirye Kityo – Bukoto East
- Minister Judith Nabakooba – Mityana Woman MP
Also making headlines is Gen. Henry Tumukunde, who secured the party flag for Rukungiri Municipality, indicating a significant political comeback.
Rising Stars & New Faces
The primaries also ushered in a wave of new contenders and rising stars. Notably, Faridah Nambi, daughter of Al Hajji Moses Migingo, the National V.Chairman NRM, won in Kawempe North, while Anderson Burora, the outspoken former Deputy RCC of Nakawa and Lubaga took Nakawa East.
Daniel Kananura, a new face in Kampala politics, clinched the Kira Municipality seat, while Doreen Keita Kagabi secured the flag for Makindye West, showing a generational shift within urban constituencies.
Teso & Eastern Uganda Flag Bearers
The Teso sub-region confirmed a list of formidable candidates:
- Christine Apolot – Kumi District Woman MP
- Ochom Richard – Kumi Municipality
- Okaasai Sidronius – Kumi County
- Hellen Adoa – Serere Woman MP
- John Bosco Ikojo – Bukedea County MP
- Juliet Achayo Lodou – Ngora County
- Jacqueline Amongin – Ngora Woman MP
Shocking Defeats
However, the primaries also claimed high-profile casualties. In one of the biggest upsets, Theodore Ssekikubo, a long-serving legislator for Lwemiyaga County, lost the NRM flag to Maj Gen. Rtd. Emmanuel Rwashande.
Other notable defeats include:
- Esther Mbayo – Former Minister and Woman MP for Luuka
- David Bahati- Ndorwa East
- Nathan Igeme Nabeta – Jinja South East
- Joyce Moriku Kaducu – Moyo District Woman MP
- Twaha Kagabo – Bukoto South, Lwengo
- Peter Lokeris – Minister for Minerals, lost Chekwii East
- Winfred Bagaaya Akiiki – Fort Portal Woman MP
- Charles Mwanguhya – Burahya County, Kabarole
Western Uganda Powerhouses Retain Control
The western belt remained an NRM fortress, with many incumbents holding onto their seats. Among the big names were:
- Kahinda Otafiire – Ruhinda County
- Arthur Kazoora – Ruhinda South
- Chris Baryomunsi – Kinkizi East
- Michael Mawanda – Igara East
- Adrine Mwebesa – Sheema Woman MP
- Annet Katusiime Mugisha – Bushenyi Woman MP
- Counsel Cohen Kyampene – Igara West
With the party primaries concluded in most areas, attention now turns to the 2026 general elections. The NRM, buoyed by strong incumbency and strategic new faces, is seeking to maintain its dominance, though independent candidates and opposition forces are expected to mount stiff challenges in some constituencies.
Stay tuned as Swift News UG continues to bring you comprehensive coverage of Uganda’s political journey to 2026.
Email: swiftnewsug@gmail.com
WhatsApp: +256 754 137 391