Information minister Baryomunsi loses western NRM vice-chairperson seat

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Information minister Dr Chris Baryomunsi has lost the western region National Resistance Movement (NRM) party vice-chairperson seat.

According to the results declared by NRM electoral commission chairperson Dr Tanga Odoi, Baryomunsi, who came second in the race involving eight candidates, garnered 2,303 votes, accounting for 33.6% of the total votes cast. He was beaten by Jonard Asiimwe, who got 4,044 votes (58.9%).

Jonard Asiimwe who won the NRM western region NRM vice-chairperson seat garnered 4,044 votes. (Photo by Joseph Mutebi)

Others in the race involved lining up behind candidates of choice and concluded late night Wednesday (August 27, 2025) were:

• Blaise Kamugisha with 339 votes
  
  
• Lauren Muhangi Bwengye with 55 votes
  
  
• Dick Kamuganga Nuwamanya (49 votes)
  
  
• Enoch Barigye Byaruhanga (60 votes)
  
  
• Innocent Atuhe (11 votes) 
  
  
• Michael Maranga Mwanda who did not get any votes.
  
  

Total voters for the region were 6,861.

Jonard Asiimwe who won the NRM western region NRM vice-chairperson seat garnered 4,044 votes. (Photo by Joseph Mutebi)

The seat is part of the hotly contested slots of the ruling party's central executive committee (CEC), which is the top decision-making body of the party.

NRM's CEC is not merely a party structure; it is the de facto nucleus of political decision-making in Uganda, and advises party chairperson President Yoweri Museveni and often serves as the final arbiter on matters ranging from parliamentary candidature to Cabinet appointments.

Information minister Dr Chris Baryomunsi and hs supporters look on during the vote counting process at Kololo. (Photo by Joseph Mutebi)

So, to be on CEC, according to analysts, is to have a direct hand in shaping Uganda’s political architecture, according to political analyst Crispin Kaheru, a member of the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC).