Salaamu Musumba unexpected comeback throws NRM into panic mode as 2026 nears

Kamuli, Uganda: The unexpected comeback of veteran politician Proscovia Salaamu Musumba into the Bugabula South Parliamentary race has thrown the ruling NRM camp into panic, shaking up a contest that many had prematurely declared sealed following the exit of political bigwigs Henry Maurice Kibalya, Asuman Kiyingi, and Thomas Kategere.

With the absence of those long-time political actors, the NRM machinery had initially switched to “results waiting” mode, confident that its new flag bearer, Matayo Bazanya alias Mazanyalaze Load, would easily sail through.

Bazanya, who rose to prominence through his financial influence and charitable giving at community events, was seen as the regime’s safe bet, strongly backed by Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga, the Speaker Emeritus and Busoga political kingmaker.

However, Musumba’s re-entry has dramatically redrawn the political map in Bugabula South. Once a stronghold of the NRM, the constituency is now witnessing renewed voter enthusiasm, deep factional tensions, and a shifting loyalty matrix that could redefine Busoga’s political landscape.

The Kadaga Factor and NRM Internal Battles

Busoga political analysts say Bazanya’s rise was rooted in Kadaga’s strategic revenge mission against leaders perceived to have betrayed her in previous Central Executive Committee (CEC) elections.

During the CEC campaigns, Kadaga’s camp branded defectors like Kibalya, Silwany, and Milton Muwuma as “Iscariots,” and vowed to politically uproot them from Busoga.

At the time, Bazanya positioned himself as Kadaga’s loyal foot soldier, outsmarting Kiyingi during a Kamuli traders’ event where his fiery speeches in defence of Kadaga made him an instant darling of the Mama Busoga base. His allegiance earned him the NRM District Chairmanship, consolidating his power across Kamuli.

But political analysts now warn that Bazanya has since grown complacent.

“Bazanya went into a comfort zone after winning the NRM district chair. He stopped reconciling or recruiting new supporters. Many of his own now complain of being sidelined by his so-called ‘baggage boys’,” observed local analyst Tito Ikanga, noting that such a miscalculation could cost him dearly at the polls.

Musumba’s Return: The Game Changer

The entry of Salaamu Musumba, the first MP of Bugabula South who served two consecutive terms, has completely unsettled the NRM hierarchy. Her comeback is not just nostalgic; it carries emotional and historical weight.

Musumba says she is returning to what she calls “a constituency that made me who I am,” and is appealing to both the old guard and a new generation of voters born out of her legacy projects two decades ago.

“Bugabula South is my home. I come to offer service delivery, audit government programs, and restore public trust in leadership. The 12th Parliament should be about service, not flags,” Musumba told supporters during a harmonization meeting at the Kamuli Electoral Commission.

Once a fierce critic of Kadaga, Musumba has since reconciled ideologically, serving as an independent voice that now seeks to hold the NRM accountable rather than attack its leadership. Her message of “restoring integrity and Busoga’s political balance” has resonated strongly with disillusioned voters who feel the ruling party has neglected their region.

“NRM yazira Busoga (NRM has abandoned Busoga). It’s time to wake up, open our eyes, and demand our share of the national cake,” she said amid chants from supporters.

Political Dynamics Ahead of 2026

Political observers like Jacob Semuwulu, a social media analyst, believe Musumba’s credentials — from her tenure as MP to her time as Kamuli LCV Chairperson — give her an edge in both experience and credibility.

“Salaamu has unmatched political maturity and national articulation. She’s the only one who can effectively back up Kadaga in Parliament and restore Busoga’s lost political voice,” Semuwulu argued.

The Bugabula South contest now features seven candidates: Matayo Bazanya (NRM), Pastor Andrew Muwanguzi (NUP), Ronald Kirimani Kabanda (FDC), Proscovia Salaamu Musumba (PFF), Patricia Katagwa, Sanon Dhizaala, and Robert Gwaivu (Independents)

Voting patterns, however, remain unpredictable. The populous Namwendwa Sub-county is split between Musumba and Dhizaala; Butansi, where Bazanya banks on block votes, also leans towards Pastor Muwanguzi; and Bulopa is emerging as the ultimate swing battleground, home to aggrieved supporters of Kibalya and Kiyingi seeking revenge for NRM’s disputed primaries.

As Musumba’s campaign gains traction, the NRM faces a daunting task of reorganizing its fractured base in Busoga, a region once considered its unshakable fortress.