Adjumani, Uganda: A political storm is brewing within the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) in Adjumani district after a sweeping defeat of key party leaders in the recent primary elections.
The fallout has left the district party fractured into two dissenting factions, threatening cohesion ahead of the 2026 general polls.
The biggest casualty is incumbent District Chairman Hon. Anyama Ben, who, alongside his Vice Chairman Hon. Kaijuka Richard, District Speaker Hon. Oloya Jackson, Deputy Speaker Kevin, and Secretary for Health Mr. Sabuni John, all suffered stunning losses in the primaries.
According to the results announced by Adjumani District Electoral Commission Registrar Mr. Chandimale Amos on July 24, 2025, Anyama lost the NRM flag to former Speaker and Vice Chairman Mr. Anyanzo John, who polled 21,935 votes against Anyama’s 19,156 votes.
Anyama Declares Independent Bid
Speaking during a July 27 radio show on Aulogo FM, Mr. Anyama rejected the outcome and announced his intention to contest as an independent candidate, citing massive electoral malpractice.
“I have evidence that seven Fuso trucks ferried unregistered voters from neighboring Amuru district, and they were allowed to vote. Some DR forms show 100% voter turnout, while others were clearly altered in the tally room,” Anyama claimed.
He also accused Adjumani District Police Commander (DPC) SP Masembe of deploying intimidation tactics against his supporters and arresting nine of his agents, calling it a calculated effort to weaken his campaign.
“Let’s not forget in 2011, Gen. Kahinda Otafiire lost in the NRM primaries but still won in the general election. Even Hon. Ababiku Jesca and Hon. Eruaga Santo overcame primary defeats to emerge victorious in 2006 and 2011, respectively,” Anyama said defiantly.
Roots of the Division
Analysts link the growing divisions to power shifts that began during the 2021 general elections, which saw the ouster of then LCV Chairman Hon. Leku James and Adjumani East MP Hon. Dulu Angel Mark, both NRM flagbearers, in favor of Mr. Anyama and MP Mamawi James.
According to insiders, the primaries have merely exposed old factional wounds, with visible camps forming behind Gen. Moses Ali and Hon. Ababiku Jesca. The loss of Anyama and other key figures is viewed as a major setback for Camp B, allegedly aligned to Ababiku.
Political commentators say failure by party leaders to reconcile post-2021 internal rivalries has reignited the ghost of 2006, when the NRM suffered a devastating defeat to the FDC, in what locals dubbed the “Adjumani Tsunami.”
In that election, Gen. Moses Ali was trounced by Hon. Eruaga Santo, while President Museveni himself secured just 34.39% in the district against Dr. Kizza Besigye’s 60.75%. All district executive committee members also lost.
Fears of a Repeat Political Meltdown
“There’s a strong chance history could repeat itself,” a political analyst noted. “The infighting in NRM could give the opposition an open window, even though the opposition is relatively weak today. The only notable challenger so far is Mr. Tandrupasi Patrick, who’s eyeing Gen. Moses Ali’s Adjumani West seat.”
The analyst warned that if unresolved, the rift between the Anyama-Ababiku axis and the Gen. Moses Ali-led camp, now fronting Anyanzo and Dulu as flag bearers, could cost the party key local council and parliamentary seats.
“This mirrors 2006, when only two NRM councilors survived the wave – Hon. Ababiku Jesca (then PWD representative) and Hon. Letiru Sally [RIP].”
NRM Leaders Respond
When contacted, Adjumani NRM Registrar Mr. Chandimale Amos acknowledged receiving verbal complaints but urged aggrieved parties to follow official party channels. “I can’t act on unofficial reports. Those with evidence should file formal petitions for appropriate redress,” he said.
Meanwhile, NRM District Branch Chairperson Mr. Akuku Charles appealed for calm and urged disgruntled leaders to respect the party constitution.
“Jumping to contest as an independent is not in the best interest of the party. Any disputes should be handled through the NRM Secretariat,” Akuku advised.
With election season approaching, the deepening divisions within Adjumani’s NRM leadership could reshape the district’s political future. Whether the party can mend its internal cracks or repeat the 2006 electoral disaster remains to be seen.
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