Iganga, Uganda: At least 34 candidates have been duly nominated to contest for Parliamentary seats in Iganga District, marking one of the most competitive races in eastern Uganda ahead of the 2026 general elections.
The two-day nomination exercise, held on Wednesday, October 22 and Thursday, October 23, 2025, saw candidates line up for the Kigulu South, Kigulu North, and Iganga Municipality constituencies, as well as the Woman MP seat.
The process was presided over by the Electoral Commission (EC) officials at the district headquarters in Iganga, with several incumbents and prominent political figures confirming their bids for re-election.
Iganga Municipality: Mayor, Incumbent MP, and New Faces in the Race
The nomination exercise began early Wednesday with Mayor Delix Richard Hassan Bamugemye, popularly known as Bamu Lulenzi, who entered the race as an independent candidate after losing the National Unity Platform (NUP) flag to Counsel Abed Nasser Mudiobole.
Mudiobole, who emerged as NUP’s official candidate, was also nominated later in the day. The NRM’s Hajji Swaibu Ojasi joined the race alongside several independent aspirants, including Namudiba Kuteesa Vivian, Mulondo John, Mukalu Muhammad Mukuza, and Rtd Col Moses Buwaso, while Nkoyoyo Trevor is contesting under the Democratic Front.
Incumbent MP Hon. Mugema Peter (Panadol), who has represented Iganga Municipality, was nominated on Thursday to defend his seat, setting the stage for a crowded and high-stakes contest.
Kigulu: Muwuma, Kaluya and Kayemba in Tight Contest
The Kigulu South race has drawn familiar faces and new entrants. Incumbent MP Hon. Milton Muwuma Kalulu, who has represented the constituency for over a decade, was nominated on an independent ticket seeking a third term.
The NRM’s Kayemba Patrick (Gavamukulya), Hon. Andrew Kiiza Kaluya (NUP Eastern Region Mobilizer and former MP for Kigulu South), and Waiswa Ian are also in the contest.
Speaking after nomination, Hon. Muwuma said his return was aimed at consolidating ongoing projects, particularly electricity connectivity across rural villages. “We have connected several communities to the power grid, and I want to ensure all remaining areas benefit in the next term,” he said.
His NRM rival, Kayemba Patrick, vowed to revive “the glory of development” in Kigulu South by lobbying for road, health, and education projects, while Hon. Kaluya accused the current leadership of betraying the electorate, promising a return to “people-driven representation.”
In Kigulu North, the EC confirmed the nomination of NRM flag bearer Bamutaze Kungu Samuel (Simion), Hajji Badogi Ismael (Independent, symbol of a clock), and Ntambi Ramadhan (NUP), among others.
The race is shaping up to be one of the most closely contested in the sub-region, with each candidate pledging to address youth unemployment, roads, and access to social services.
Woman MP Seat: Incumbent Alibaawo, Seif and Magumba Among Nominees
The Woman MP contest has also attracted a strong field led by incumbent Hon. Kauma Sauda Alibaawo, who is seeking a second term on an independent ticket after breaking ranks with her former party.
Speaking after nomination, Hon. Alibaawo thanked supporters for their continued trust and pledged to champion initiatives aimed at fighting poverty and improving access to health and education. “Our symbol is a ball. I ask you to trust me once again to represent you and to push for better health services, roads, and community projects,” she said.
The NRM nominated Mariam Seif as its flag bearer, while other contenders include Kagoya Mariam Magumba (Independent) and Nambi Ritah, representing the Congress Service Volunteers Party.
FULL LIST OF IGANGA PARLIAMENTARY CANDIDATES
A. IGANGA MUNICIPALITY (12 CANDIDATES)
- Hon. Mugema Peter (Panadol) – Independent (Incumbent)
- Hajji Swaibu Ojasi – NRM
- Counsel Abed Nasser Mudiobole – NUP
- Bamugemye Delix Richard Hassan (Bamu Lulenzi) – Independent
- Namudiba Kuteesa Vivian – Independent
- Mulondo John – Independent
- Mukalu Muhammad Mukuza – Independent
- Rtd Col Moses Buwaso – Independent
- Nkoyoyo Trevor – Democratic Front
- Unnamed Independent Candidate (awaiting EC confirmation – Bogere Jackson)
- Two other Independent aspirants (final verification pending as of nomination close)
B. KIGULU SOUTH CONSTITUENCY (8 CANDIDATES)
- Hon. Milton Muwuma Kalulu – Independent (Incumbent)
- Kayemba Patrick (Gavamukulya) – NRM
- Hon. Andrew Kiiza Kaluya – NUP
- Waiswa Ian – Independent
- Unnamed Independent Candidate – (Symbol: clock)
- Other local aspirants (verification ongoing as per EC records)
C. KIGULU NORTH CONSTITUENCY (8 CANDIDATES)
- Bamutaze Kungu Samuel (Simion) – NRM
- Hajji Badogi Ismael – Independent (Symbol: clock)
- Ntambi Ramadhan – NUP
- Other aspirants (names pending EC publication as verification continues)
D. WOMAN MP – IGANGA DISTRICT (6 CANDIDATES)
- Hon. Kauma Sauda Alibaawo – Independent (Incumbent)
- Mariam Seif – NRM
- Kagoya Mariam Magumba – Independent
- Nambi Ritah – Congress Service Volunteers Party (CSVP)
- Two other Independents – (names under EC verification)
🗳️ Total: 34 candidates nominated; 12 for Iganga Municipality, 8 for Kigulu South, 8 for Kigulu North, and 6 for the Woman MP seat.
Iganga District Returning Officer commended candidates for a smooth and orderly nomination process, calling for continued cooperation and adherence to campaign guidelines.
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