Kololo, Kampala: The National Resistance Movement (NRM) Women’s League finally has a new leader after Adrine Kobusingye swept to victory at Kololo Independence Grounds on Tuesday, August 26, in elections that saw incumbent Lydia Wanyoto abruptly quit the race amid protests.
According to official results announced by Dr. Tanga Odoi, the NRM Electoral Commission chairperson, Kobusingye polled 1,839 votes, trouncing Faridah Kibowa who came second with 670 votes. Other candidates, Faridah Nakalama (3 votes), Kyanika Rehema (2 votes), and Lanyero Sarah Ochieng (19 votes) — trailed far behind in the elections conducted by queuing behind candidates.
The incumbent Chairperson, Lydia Wanyoto, who had earlier been expected to mount a strong defense of her position, withdrew prematurely from the race amid protests, leaving her name off the tally sheet.
In her victory message shortly after declaration, Kobusingye described her election as a turning point for women’s leadership in the ruling party and pledged to use her platform to champion entrepreneurship and socio-economic transformation.
“Under entrepreneurship, I believe we can do a women’s Sacco and a women’s league,” Kobusingye said, highlighting her rural upbringing in Bushenyi’s Kyamukunda. “I put on my first shoes at the age of 15. Today, at 42 years old, I’m overwhelmed with joy. I’m overwhelmed by women, by God, and by our NRM Party that has nurtured me.”
The wealthy businesswoman emphasized that her priority will be empowering grassroots women through structured financial initiatives, adding that the Women’s League has the potential to drive real transformation within communities.
In the other Women’s League elections, Enid Mwesigye, wife to Col (Rtd) Fred Mwesigye, won with a landslide in the Women’s League race for Vice Chairperson (Western Uganda), polling 1,704 votes against Peace Kansiime, who trailed far behind with just 23 votes, showcasing the dominance of Kobusingye’s camp in the new leadership structure.
The Women’s League elections, part of the NRM SIGs conference, form part of the week-long national conference of the ruling party that will also determine leadership for the Youth League and other special interest groups ahead of the 2026 general elections.
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