Uganda’s January 26, 2026 general elections have produced a parliament that signals both continuity and change across the country, with the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) consolidating its dominance while opposition parties, particularly the National Unity Platform (NUP), faced setbacks in key strongholds.
Analysis of parliamentary results by region reveals shifting political patterns, local dynamics, and a wave of voter accountability that has reshaped the composition of the 495-member House of Representatives so far.
Buganda: NRM Reclaims Lost Ground
Buganda, traditionally a battleground region, was a major theater of NUP strength in 2021. In the 2026 polls, however, NRM regained much of its lost influence, winning 57 of the region’s 103 parliamentary seats, compared to 39 for NUP. The ruling party recaptured constituencies in Kampala, Wakiso, and Nakaseke, while independents, many NRM-leaning, accounted for six additional victories.
Several high-profile NUP incumbents were defeated. In Kawempe South, Bashir Kazibwe, who did not seek re-election following a fallout with NUP leadership, was replaced by Fred Nyanzi, Kyagulanyi’s elder brother. Nakawa East fell to NRM’s Freddie Ruhindi, while Entebbe Municipality and Busiro North and South also swung back to NRM control. In Bukomansimbi and Butambala districts, NUP’s parliamentary presence was wiped out by NRM and independent candidates, including Lydia Mirembe and Eriasa Mukiibi Sserunjogi.
Despite these losses, NUP managed to flip six seats in Buganda, including Kira Municipality, which had been held by People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) legislator Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda. George Musisi defeated Ssemujju with a margin of 6,876 votes. NUP also made inroads beyond Buganda, capturing at least seven parliamentary seats in Busoga.
This regional outcome demonstrates a consolidation of NRM power, while highlighting NUP’s continued influence in select urban and semi-urban constituencies. Overall, NUP’s strength in Buganda has fallen from 55 seats in the current parliament to 43, reflecting a net
In Masaka and neighboring districts, NRM strengthened its representation, capturing 17 of 29 parliamentary seats, up from seven in 2021. Opposition presence shrank, with NUP retaining only eight seats. The sub-region witnessed the ousting of 18 incumbents, signaling voter discontent with underperformance, lack of development, and poor service delivery.
Key defeats included Ronald Evans Kanyike of Bukoto East and Bukomansimbi’s trio of MPs—Veronica Nannyondo, Christine Ndiwalana, and Solomon Kayemba. NRM’s victories in these areas were sometimes contested. Nannyondo is challenging the Bukomansimbi results, alleging irregularities in declaration forms.
Other notable shifts included NUP’s gains in Kalungu East (Yusuf Kiruruta Nkerettanyi), Kayunga, and Mukono South, while independents also captured constituencies in Lwengo and Kalangala, reflecting localized voter preferences for individuals over party labels.
Western Uganda: NRM Dominance Unchallenged
NRM retained its historical stronghold in western Uganda, sweeping all parliamentary seats in Rukungiri District—a former bastion of opposition politics thanks to Col (Rtd) Dr. Kiiza Besigye—and capturing all six seats in Kasese as well as two of three seats in Bundibugyo. Opposition parties, including PFF and FDC, were shut out in these districts, marking a complete reversal from past contests.
Key victories included Retired Major General Jim Muhwezi in Rujumbura County, General Henry Kakurugu Tumukunde in Rukungiri Municipality, and Mary Paula Kebirungi in the Woman MP race. In Kasese, NRM legislators such as Kamable Ferigo and Sowedi Kitanywa retained their positions, while Dr. Crispus Kiyonga defeated his long-time rival Godfrey Atkins Katusabe in Bukonzo East.
Presidential results in Kasese and Bundibugyo mirrored parliamentary outcomes, with Yoweri Museveni winning 59–60% of the vote in Kasese against NUP’s Robert Kyagulanyi, who secured roughly 36%.
Northern Uganda: Lango, Acholi, Teso, and Karamoja
The north reflected a strong voter desire for accountability. In Lango, 15 incumbent MPs were voted out, including Felix Okot Ogong (Dokolo South), the longest-serving MP in the region, and Betty Amongi, the Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development. Defeated incumbents cited poor service delivery and unresponsiveness. NRM’s Jane Ruth Aceng and independent challengers such as Peter Ojiit and Esther Lucy Acom were among the beneficiaries.
In Acholi, the region returned 17 NRM MPs, five DP, three FDC, two independents, and one PFF candidate. The results suggest that NRM has successfully penetrated areas that were previously competitive for opposition forces, though DP and FDC retain a foothold.
Karamoja saw historic defeats of long-serving figures, including Minister Peter Lokeris (defeated by independent Stephenson Lokuru), Moses Aleper, and Christine Nakwang Tubo. These losses indicate a generational shift and an electorate keen on fresh leadership, particularly in areas historically dominated by entrenched incumbents.
Teso also reflected voter discontent. Veteran MPs like Elijah Okupa (Kasilo, Serere District) lost to NRM’s Peter Paul Emaju, while independent candidates ousted ministers Hellen Adoa and Fred Opolot in Pingire and other constituencies.
Other Regions: Bunyoro, Ankole, Tooro, Sebei, Bugisu, Busoga, Kigezi, and Karamoja
- Bunyoro: NRM dominated with 22 of 27 seats, with a smattering of independents and minor party candidates.
- Ankole: NRM captured 43 of 47 seats.
- Tooro: NRM took 28 of 31 seats.
- Sebei: Out of nine seats, NRM retained six; independents captured three.
- Bugisu: NRM won 17 of 25 seats, with independents accounting for six, FDC and NUP one each.
- Busoga: NRM maintained a strong position with 26 seats; NUP and FDC captured smaller numbers.
- Kigezi: NRM dominated with 19 of 22 seats.
- Karamoja: NRM won 21 of 26 seats, indicating consolidation in the previously fragmented sub-region.
These results reflect NRM’s deep entrenchment across most regions, while independent candidates leveraged local dissatisfaction to capture constituencies, particularly in areas where incumbents were perceived to have neglected service delivery.
Party Trends and Observations
Across Uganda, NRM secured 355 of the 495 declared parliamentary seats, extending its grip on national politics. Independents captured 63 seats, while NUP held 48 seats, primarily concentrated in Buganda and parts of Busoga. DP, UPC, FDC, PFF, and ANT collectively accounted for 29 seats.
The elections revealed three main trends:
- Opposition Retreat: NUP lost at least 23 parliamentary seats, primarily in Buganda, where voter fatigue, internal disputes, and strategic NRM campaigning allowed the ruling party to reclaim lost ground.
- Voter Accountability: Across Lango, Masaka, Teso, and Karamoja, long-serving MPs were voted out in favor of fresh candidates, reflecting a demand for improved service delivery and responsiveness.
- Independent Surge: Many independents succeeded in districts where voters preferred individuals with local influence over party allegiance. In some cases, independents were aligned with NRM, indicating strategic co-optation of opposition-leaning voters.
The 2026 parliamentary elections illustrate that Uganda’s political landscape remains regionalized. While NRM consolidates its national dominance, opposition parties retain influence in urban centers, certain districts in Buganda, and pockets of northern and eastern Uganda.
Voters prioritized service delivery, development, and accountability over party loyalty in many constituencies, signaling a maturing electorate willing to challenge incumbents. As the new parliament settles, the balance of power between NRM, opposition forces, and independent MPs will shape legislative priorities, regional development agendas, and Uganda’s political trajectory in the coming five years.
SUMMARY OF MPs PER REGION (provisional)
BUGANDA
NRM. 57
NUP. 39
DP. 1
IND. 6
TOTAL. 103
ACHOLI
NRM. 17
DP. 5
FDC. 3
IND. 2
PFF. 1
TOTAL. 28
BUNYORO
NRM. 22
PFF. 1
ANT. 1
IND. 3
TOTAL. 27
ANKOLE
NRM. 43
IND. 4
TOTAL. 47
TOORO
NRM. 28
IND. 3
TOTAL. 31
SEBEI
NRM. 6
IND. 3
TOTAL. 9
BUGISU
NRM. 17
NUP 1
FDC. 1
IND. 6
TOTAL. 25
BUKEDI
NRM. 24
IND. 5
TOTAL. 29
BUSOGA
NRM 26
NUP. 8
FDC. 1
IND. 9
TOTAL. 44
KARAMOJA
NRM. 21
IND. 5
TOTAL. 26
KIGEZI
NRM. 19
IND. 3
TOTAL. 22
LANGO
NRM. 18
UPC. 10
IND. 2
TORAL. 30
WEST NILE
NRM. 30
FDC. 2
IND. 7
TOTAL. 39
TESO
NRM. 27
IND. 5
FDC. 3
TOTAL. 35
GRAND TOTALS
TOTAL SEATS IN PARLIAMENT: DIRECT CONSTITUENCIES AND WOMEN MPs are 499. The analysis is from 495 The balance not yet received are 4.
NRM TOTAL 355
NUP TOTAL. 48
IND. TOTAL. 63
DP. TOTAL. 6
UPC TOTAL. 10
FDC TOTAL. 10
PFF TOTAL. 2
ANT. 1
GRAND TOTAL 495
