On Thursday, July 17th, 2025, Uganda witnessed a high-stakes political exercise as the National Resistance Movement (NRM) conducted internal elections to choose party parliamentary flag bearers ahead of the 2026 general elections.
The elections featured party bigwigs—including ministers, Members of Parliament, and other influential figures—vying for the NRM flag across 353 direct constituencies and 146 district woman MP seats in the country.
Security was heightened nationwide, with the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), Uganda Police, and other security agencies deployed at all polling stations across 72,000 villages.
In the Masaka sub-region, several party heavyweights emerged victorious, while some losing candidates, disputing the results, declared intentions to run as independents in the forthcoming elections.
Masaka region comprises nine districts and one city: Masaka City, Masaka District, Bukomansimbi, Kalungu, Ssembabule, Lwengo, Lyantonde, Rakai, Kyotera, and Kalangala.
Key Races and Results:
In Lwengo District, former NUP parliamentarian for Bukoto South, Dr. Twaha Kagabo, lost to Hajji Muhammad Muyanja Mbabaali, a former MP, by a margin of over 2,000 votes. Greater Masaka Myooga Coordinator Gonzaga Mutesaasira also lost in the same race.
In Bukoto Mid-West Constituency, incumbent MP Isaac Ssejjoba lost the NRM flag to area councillor Emmanuel Kiyimba, who polled 6,011 votes against Ssejjoba’s 4,890.
In Bukoto West, still in Lwengo, incumbent Muhammad Muyanja Ssentaayi retained the flag with 12,369 votes, defeating outgoing district chairperson Ibrahim Kitatta, who garnered 9,116 votes.
Ssembabule District saw notable upsets. In Lwemiyaga County, incumbent MP Theodore Ssekikubo was defeated by Rtd Brig. Gen Emmanuel Rwashande.
District Woman MP Mary Begumisa lost to Pastor Florence Nambaziira, while Hajati Hanifah Kawooya secured the flag for Mawogola West County.
In Bukomansimbi District, all three parliamentary positions were uncontested following early reconciliation among candidates.
Ruth Katushabe was declared unopposed for District Woman MP, Hajji Bashir Ssemakula for Bukomansimbi South, and Salim Kisekka for Bukomansimbi North.
In Masaka District, Joanita Nalule won the flag for District Woman MP. Sarah Babirye Kityo defeated former Deputy RDC Salongo Fred Pax Kalema to clinch the flag for Bukoto East. The results for Bukoto Central remain pending.
In Masaka City, Justine Nameere Nsubuga won the flag for Woman MP. Rachael Nakitende was unopposed in Nyendo-Mukungwe Constituency, while Robert Asiimwe took the flag for Kimaanya-Kabonera.
In Kyotera District, State Minister for Microfinance Kyeyune Haruna Kasolo was unopposed for Kyotera County. Scola Kalibbala Besigye took the District Woman MP flag, while Ismail Lubega secured Kakuuto County.
Other winners include:
- Cissy Namujju – Lwengo District Woman MP
- Ssemwanga Gyaviira – Buyamba County, Rakai
- Juliet Sisuubira Kinyamatama – Rakai District Woman MP
- Didas Tayebwa – Kooki County
- Hellen Nakeeya – Kalungu District Woman MP
Defections Expected:
Several candidates have declared they will run as independents after rejecting the results, including Isaac Ssejjoba (Bukoto Mid-West), Fred Pax Kalema (Bukoto East), Dr. Twaha Kagabo (Bukoto South), and Mary Begumisa (Ssembabule District).
The NRM party is set to conduct another round of primaries next week for local government positions.
The elected flag bearers will face off with opposition candidates in the 2026 general elections.
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