With incumbent Connie Galiwango Nakayenze opting out of the race for the National Resistance Movement (NRM) flag, the political field in Mbale City has been thrown wide open. Three formidable women—each with a distinct background, vision, and political approach—are set to face off in what promises to be a high-stakes party primary.
On Thursday, NRM voters in Mbale City will choose between Dr. Sara Wasagali Kanaabi’s development-focused technocratic appeal, Lydia Wanyoto Mutende’s seasoned diplomatic and party-loyalist credentials, and Ritah Namuwenge’s strong grassroots mobilization and community connection. Each contender brings a unique profile to the contest, raising the stakes for the ruling party’s internal race.
Dr. Sara Wasagali Kanaabi: The Technocrat
Born and raised in Mbale, Dr. Sara Wasagali Kanaabi is the newest face in direct electoral politics but is no stranger to leadership and policy formulation. An economist and educator with a PhD in Public Sector and International Economics from Makerere University, Dr. Kanaabi has over two decades of experience lecturing at institutions like Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU) and Kyambogo University.
She is also a certified Green Energy Manager with eight years of experience in Uganda’s energy sector, most recently serving as Chairperson of the Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA), a role she resigned from to pursue politics. Her boardroom experience includes leadership roles at the Private Sector Development Center in Mbale and the Eastern Private Sector Development Center Ltd, alongside contributions to various secondary school boards.
With a campaign rooted in evidence-based solutions, Dr. Kanaabi promises to bring a data-driven and economically informed perspective to Mbale City’s development. However, the real test will be whether her impressive résumé can resonate with the grassroots electorate in an increasingly populist political environment.
Lydia Wanyoto Mutende: The Diplomat and Party Loyalist
Known affectionately by supporters as “Big Sister,” Lydia Wanyoto Mutende is no stranger to Uganda’s political and diplomatic circles. A born and bred daughter of Mbale, she carries a storied career that spans law, governance, and continental diplomacy. Wanyoto holds two Master’s degrees—from Makerere University—in Human Rights Law and Gender & Women’s Studies.
Her legal foundation was laid at Uganda Christian University and the Law Development Centre. Over the years, she has served as a Member of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), Deputy Special Representative of the African Union Commission Chairperson, and briefly as acting head of the African Union Mission to Somalia (AMISOM).
A staunch NRM stalwart and Chairperson of the party’s Women’s League, Wanyoto contested for the Mbale City Woman MP seat in 2021 but lost to Connie Galiwango. This year, she returns with renewed determination and broader political networks. Her campaign is likely to emphasize national and international connectivity, investment mobilization, and women’s empowerment. However, she will need to overcome past electoral setbacks and prove that her high profile and party loyalty can translate into grassroots support.
Ritah Namuwenge: The Grassroots Mobilizer
Unlike her two opponents, Ritah Namuwenge is not widely known on the national stage, but her political strength lies in her solid grassroots presence and community-first approach. Namuwenge holds a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration from IUIU and previously served as a councilor in the then Mbale Municipality. Currently, she is the National Coordinator for the Emyooga program—a government initiative targeting poverty eradication through community-based enterprise groups.
Her political narrative is centered around direct service delivery, community empowerment, and hands-on leadership. With deep ties to local party structures and residents, Namuwenge’s campaign will rely heavily on door-to-door mobilization and face-to-face engagement. Her major hurdle, however, will be expanding her localized appeal into a citywide mandate against more established and nationally recognized opponents.
A Test of Party Identity and Voter Priorities
The Mbale City NRM primaries have evolved into more than just a political contest—they reflect the evolving face of the party’s support base. Will the voters reward technocratic competence, political seniority, or grassroots authenticity? The answer may shape not only the NRM’s fortunes in the general election but also the future political trajectory of this strategically significant city.
(function(d, s, id) { var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; if (d.getElementById(id)) return; js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; js.src=” fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs); }(document, ‘script’, ‘facebook-jssdk’));
