Kibuku, Uganda: The National Resistance Movement (NRM) party grassroots elections in Kibuku District Friday concluded on a decisive note, with Dr. Patrick Godfrey Wakida and Hon. Hajji Sharif Ssabakaki emerging as dominant figures in contests that underscored shifting political allegiances ahead of the 2026 general elections.
The NRM grassroot elections, which began on May 6 with Local Council I (LC I) structures, steadily progressed through LC II, sub-county, and district levels. While the LC I votes included both flag bearer and mainstream races, the upper tiers focused exclusively on mainstream representation.
In Kabweri County, where political tension is already building ahead of the 2026 parliamentary race, the contest between incumbent MP Hon. Mugole Mauku David Stephen and Dr. Wakida took center stage.
Voter turnout and support at the grassroots overwhelmingly favored Dr. Wakida, with 87% of village-level votes cast in his favor compared to Hon. Mugole’s 13%. The pattern repeated at the parish and sub-county levels, with the exception of Kirika Sub-county, where Mugole retained some ground.
At the district level, momentum further tilted toward Dr. Wakida’s camp. For the chairperson slot, Hon. Hajji Sharif Ssabakaki defeated rivals Mboizi Moses and Ssali Anna Theresa with a commanding 587 votes, affirming his political grip.
In the vice-chairperson race, Kirongosa Robert topped the ballot with 400 votes, ahead of contenders Kasulu George, Magezi Hussein, and Mulomi Paul.
A notable result came in the contest for General Secretary, where incumbent LC V Chairperson Hajji Muhamad Nakeba trounced Mwayi Martin, a personal aide and ambulance driver to Mugole, securing 492 votes to Martin’s 13.
Dr. Wakida, a respected political researcher with Research World International, was elected unopposed as Secretary for Finance after all other candidates withdrew, acknowledging his widespread support.
Other unopposed candidates included Hon. Katooko Sylvia Damba, the ONC District Coordinator, who took the Secretary for Workers’ League seat, and Hon. Kinobere Herbert, Kibuku County MP, who assumed the Chairperson role of the Entrepreneurs’ League.
Deputy RDC Matiya Mulindwa Kagugube, while speaking to DailyExpress, hailed the elections as peaceful and credible, urging elected leaders to focus on development and service delivery.
NRM District Registrar Mugote Moses praised the cooperation observed across the district, noting it as a positive indicator ahead of the 2026 general elections.
Hon. Hajji Sharif, upon his election, thanked voters for the trust placed in him and pledged to work collectively for the district’s progress. Dr. Wakida called for unity and accountability within the party, emphasizing the need for economic transformation in Bugwere.
Notably absent were prominent political figures Hon. Mugole Mauku David Stephen and Hon. Jenifer Namuyangu Kacha, whose decision to skip the elections sparked speculation about their future strategies and standing within the party.
Nomination for parliamentary, LC V chairperson, and councillor seats will open on June 2, 2025, signaling the next phase in what is expected to be a hotly contested electoral cycle in Kibuku’s 22-subcounty strong political landscape.
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