High stakes in Rukiga: NRM joins forces as independents dominate 2026 race

RUKIGA - Rukiga district’s National Resistance Movement (NRM) flag-bearers are carrying out joint campaigns as the countdown to the 2026 General Elections intensifies. 

The team, which includes district and county-level candidates, is rallying together in a co-ordinated effort to boost the party’s visibility and support across the district.

Among the key figures leading the joint drive is District Woman Member of Parliament (MP) seat flag-bearer Dr Sylvia Arinaitwe, Rukiga County's Patrick Kiconco Katabazi and LC5 chairperson seat flag-bearer Simon Rwamagyenda, alongside several other councillor flag-bearers at various levels.

Rukiga County, which has a long history of leaning toward Opposition-leaning candidates, remains a highly competitive political battleground. Analysts expect it to be one of the constituencies to watch when Ugandans head to the polls in 2026.

Campaigns officially kicked off on November 10, 2025, and political excitement is steadily building, particularly within Rukiga County, where four candidates have declared their interest in the parliamentary seat.

Notably, only one of them is running under a political party flag (NRM), while the other three enter the race as independents.

Katabazi, a seasoned economist and lawyer, whose bid signals renewed determination by the ruling party to reclaim a constituency long seen as an Opposition stronghold. His candidature will serve as a major test of the NRM’s influence in the area.

Katabazi, a seasoned economist and lawyer, whose bid signals renewed determination by the ruling party to reclaim a constituency long seen as an Opposition stronghold. (Credit: Ahimbisibwe Nelson)

Seeking re-election is Roland Ndyomugyenyi, who won the seat in 2021 as an independent.

Having maintained his independence, Ndyomugyenyi enters the race with the advantage of incumbency and voter familiarity, though he is expected to face tough competition.

Also in the race is Damson Kivumba, a familiar face in Rukiga politics.

After losing in the NRM primaries, Kivumba returned as an independent candidate, highlighting the intense political contest within the constituency, even among those formerly aligned with the NRM.

The fourth contender, Benitah Rumanzi, is a political newcomer whose decision to run as an independent adds further intrigue to the already crowded field.

During the November 20 joint campaign rally at Rugoma trading centre, Katabaazi emphasised the importance of strong and coordinated local leadership.

He introduced the NRM flag-bearers from parish to district level, outlining their roles and how they intend to serve the community if elected.

Katabaazi also urged residents to rally behind the NRM candidates and President Yoweri Museveni to secure a decisive victory for the party in the 2026 elections.