The National Resistance Movement (NRM) party has concluded its parliamentary primaries across several constituencies, paving the way for a slate of flag bearers ahead of the 2026 general elections. Among the most closely watched races were those in Bushenyi District, where Katusiime Annet Mugisha and engineer Basaija Idi emerged victorious with commanding leads.
Katusiime Annet Mugisha clinched the Woman Member of Parliament flag for Bushenyi District with 49,604 votes, or 60.6% of the total ballots cast. Her main rival, Kemigisha Vivian, secured 32,279 votes (39.4%), according to official results released by the NRM District Electoral Commission Registrar.
In the Bushenyi-Ishaka Municipality race, engineer Basaija Idi scored a decisive victory, polling 13,758 votes (73.3%). His closest challenger, Maruku Erasmusha, managed 4,064 votes (21.6%), while Kamukama David and Ndanyara Nicholas Mbabazi trailed with 1,251 and 458 votes respectively.
In Igara East Constituency, incumbent MP Micheal Mawanda Maranga beat five contenders to retain the party flag, garnering 10,669 votes (39%). His closest competitor, Herbert Nimwesiga, polled 6,658 votes (24.2%), followed by Benon Rukundo Mayombo (4,102), Clayeford Kurenzi (3,789), Gracias Atwine (1,900), and Fabian Gakyalo (401).
In Sheema North, former minister Dr. Elioda Tumwesigye secured 13,369 votes (57.45%) to retain his grip on the constituency, while in Sheema Municipality, Dickson Kateshumbwa won the NRM flag. Adrine Mwebesa emerged as the party’s Woman MP candidate for Sheema District.
Hon. Frank K. Tumwebaze has been declared the NRM flag bearer for Kibale East Constituency, Kamwenge District after winning the party primaries with 43,742 votes (89.28%), according to official results released on July 17, 2025, by the NRM Electoral Commission.
Jacob Oboth Oboth has won the NRM primary for West Budama Central, securing 29,317 votes. His closest challengers, Odoi Benard and Owino John, received 3,373 and 1,466 votes respectively.
In Kitgum Municipality, State Minister for Water and Environment Beatrice Atim Anywar has secured the NRM flag after winning the primaries with 3,730 votes, defeating Henry Kissinger Oryem, who received 363 votes, and George William Otim, who garnered 29.
Amelia Kyambadde, Senior Presidential Advisor on Industry, has been declared the winner of the NRM parliamentary race for Mawokota County North, according to Mpigi District NRM Registrar Francis Bbuye.
Hoima and Nebbi Cities Turn Out in Force
In Hoima City, Hon. Princess Diana dominated the Woman MP primary, polling 9,653 votes (67.7%) against Sylvia Nalumaga (2,811) and Kabasindi Violet (1,774). In Hoima West, incumbent MP Donald Bakire Bategeka won narrowly with 4,777 votes (44.4%), edging out Dr. Joseph Ruyonga (4,515) and Tumusiime Ronald (1,451).
In Hoima East, Jonah Wamani Byakutaaga secured the flag with 3,483 votes (68.8%). His closest challenger, Reagan, polled 648, followed by Nasiif (606) and Sunny (321).
In Nebbi Municipality, Hashim Suleiman emerged the winner. In a statement after his win, he thanked voters for their trust and said he was proud to have delivered on past promises like lobbying for road improvements.
Phionah Nyamutoro, the State Minister for Minerals, won the Woman MP primary for Nebbi District.
New Faces and Political Veterans Secure Seats
The Entebbe Municipality NRM flag went to Steven Shyaka Gashaija, who polled 4,175 votes, easily defeating Scholastica Najjemba Baguma (469) and Jovia Namaara (192). Former State Minister for Housing Sam Engola reclaimed the flag for Erute South, while Deputy Attorney General Jackson Kafuuzi retained his position as the party’s candidate for Kyaka South in Kyegegwa District.
In Kibaale, Finance Minister Matia Kasaija triumphed in Buyanja County. Other prominent winners include:
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Anita Among – Bukedea Woman MP (unopposed)
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Thomas Tayebwa – Ruhinda North, Mitooma
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Robinah Nabbanja – Kakumiro Woman MP
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Gen. Henry Tumukunde – Rukungiri Municipality
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Kahinda Otafiire – Ruhinda County
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Frank Tumwebaze – Kibale East
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Jessica Alupo – Katakwi Woman MP (also Vice President)
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Rebecca Kadaga – Kamuli Woman MP
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Jim Muhwezi – Rujumbura County
Kampala Metropolitan and Eastern Region
In Kampala, Faridah Nambi won the NRM flag for Kawempe North. Frederick Ruhindi and Herbert Anderson Burora secured the flags for Nakawa East and West respectively, the latter winning with 51% of the vote.
Eastern Uganda saw notable wins for Hon. Jacqueline Amongin (Ngora District Woman MP), Hon. Christine Apolot (Kumi District), and Hon. Ikojo John Bosco (Bukedea County).
Looking Ahead to 2026
With the primaries concluded, NRM’s flag bearers now face the task of consolidating support ahead of the 2026 general elections. The party leadership hailed the primaries as “largely peaceful and transparent,” though a few hotspots reported disputes and low turnout in certain urban centers.
As the general election nears, political analysts say the NRM’s ability to balance emerging youth voices and veteran incumbents will be key to its performance — particularly in swing constituencies and urban municipalities.
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