Iganga, Uganda: The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) primaries in Busoga East have left a trail of surprises, upsets, and new political realities as several incumbents were sent packing in the just-concluded races across Iganga, Bugweri, and Mayuge districts.
Iganga: Hajji Ojasi Swaibu, Mariam Seif Claim Flags
In Iganga Municipality, Hajji Ojasi Swaibu triumphed over his competitors with 16,301 votes, defeating Col. (Rtd) Buwaso Moses (1,396), Namudiba Vivian Kutesa (2,751), and Kiyayi Jamira (110) to secure the NRM flag for the MP slot. Kirunda Yazid, the NRM returning officer, officially declared Ojasi the winner.
For the Iganga District Woman MP seat, incumbent Sauda Kauma Alibaawo suffered a heavy defeat to Mariam Seif, who secured 57,556 votes against Sauda’s 17,405. Other contenders, Kalende Proscovia and Nasanga Oba, trailed with 3,871 and zero votes, respectively.
In Kigulu North, incumbent Fred Bwino Kyakulaga, the State Minister for Agriculture, polled 13,400 votes but lost the flag to Kungu Samuel, who garnered 18,804 votes. Badogi Ismael managed 11,547 votes, while Gubi Kenneth polled 1,279.
In Kigulu South, a tight race emerged with Kayemba Patrick (7,095 votes) slightly ahead of incumbent Muwuma Milton (5,248 votes), Nturume Kyafu Yusuf (6,657), and Sebukaire Abdul Rahman Kangha (6,608). Waiswa Ian trailed with 3,057. However, Kirunda Yazid withheld final confirmation pending reruns in parts of Nakalama Sub County over reported chaos and irregularities.
Bugiri: Solomon Silwanyi, Namatende, and Baligeya Prevail
In Bugiri District, results reaffirmed dominance in some areas and produced surprises in others.
In Bukooli Central, incumbent Solomon Silwanyi retained the party flag with a commanding 31,143 votes.
His closest challenger, Mulengani David, polled 7,731, while Mugoya Ali Mukoova managed 3,533 votes and Kabanda Muzafalu trailed with 840.
In Bugiri Municipality, Okecho John Francis secured the flag with 3,845 votes, defeating Evuga Amuza (609) and Nabirye Phibb (1,508).
For Bugiri Woman MP, Eunice Namatende emerged victorious with 52,851 votes, toppling incumbent Agnes Taaka Wejuli (21,795 votes). Other contestants included Abenakyo Joanita (1,946 votes), Kikombe Angelina (2,195), and Kafuko Esther Mirembe (1,215).
In Bukooli North, Baligeya George Magan secured victory with 9,814 votes, outpacing Baka Stephen Mugabi (6,554) and Mugoya Kyawa Gaster (6,434). Other candidates trailed behind, including Oguttu Allen (1,137), Bwire Tadeo Kwoba (2,776), Okwala Albert (3,275), Okeya Joseph (1,057), Isabirye Nassibu (835), Engurat William (1,305), Bilari Hagenya Ali (1,389), and Musana Edward Wabwire (1,127).
Bugweri: Magoola Falls to Newcomer Amina Mutesi
In Bugweri District, NRM incumbents were swept aside as Amina Mutesi Nalugoda clinched the Woman MP flag with 25,078 votes, toppling incumbent Racheal Magoola, who polled only 7,058. Naigaga Mary and Nakanda Peruth followed distantly with 1,090 and 558 votes, respectively.
In the Bugweri Constituency MP race, Hajji Wandera Sadala dominated with 34,233 votes, defeating a crowded field including Makaire Fredrick (3,340), Hajji Shaban Sadiq Nkuutu (3,314), Eng. Ibaale Daniel (2,588), and Kakaire Samuel (535). Sadala will now face Abdu Katuntu, the incumbent, who is standing as an independent after years with the opposition FDC.
Mayuge: Bagiire, Nakadama Retain Party Flags Amid Shakeups
In Mayuge District, Agriculture Minister Aggrey Bagiire comfortably defended his Bunya West seat, securing 29,021 votes (83%) against Emmson Kireri (4,164), Mukisa Moses Max (1,919), and Moses Katerega (46).
In Bunya East, incumbent James Kubeketerya was ousted by Alex Irukan Ekoro, who polled 20,355 votes (63.7%) to Kubeketerya’s 8,192 (25.6%). Nakagolo Mawejje Sarah and Kyona Ismael garnered 2,426 and 962 votes, respectively.
In Bunya South, incumbent Iddi Isabirye survived with 17,457 votes, ahead of Mpaata Saleh (6,824), Bishop Frank Tibagendeka (7,498), and Kintu Aminon (2,002).
For the Mayuge Woman MP seat, State Minister for Gender Rukia Isanga Nakadama retained her party flag with 43,885 votes. Her closest rival, Nangobi Susan Faima, polled 35,190, while Wamwetere Salama (2,187) and Kadaya Brenda (99) trailed far behind.
The contests in Busoga East were marred in some areas by allegations of violence, irregularities, and pending reruns, particularly in Kigulu South.
By press time, results from Bugiri and Namayingo were still pending confirmation from the respective registrars, while voting in Namutumba was postponed due to electoral technicalities.
In summary, the NRM primaries across Busoga East signalled a significant political shift, with high-profile incumbents like Rachel Magoola and Fred Bwino losing ground to newcomers, but regional stalwarts like Rukia Nakadama and Aggrey Bagiire proved their enduring influence and retained their party flags.
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