NRM flagbearer to prioritise health, education and agriculture
Kisembo, who was accompanied by senior NRM officials, including the party's Electoral Commissioner, Jane Alisemera, and Senior Manager for Mobilisation, Sam Eyenga, as well as district party leaders, made the pledges as he campaigned in the sub-counties of Kabwoya and Kyangwali in Kikuube district.
The National Resistance Movement (NRM) flagbearer Paddy Kisembo addressing the NRM village structure leaders. (Photo by Peter Abaanabasazi)
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KIKUUBE – The National Resistance Movement (NRM) flagbearer in the Kikuube district LCV by-elections, Paddy Kisembo, has pledged to improve agriculture, roads, health, and education as top priorities once elected into office next Thursday.
Kisembo, who was accompanied by senior NRM officials, including the party's Electoral Commissioner, Jane Alisemera, and Senior Manager for Mobilisation, Sam Eyenga, as well as district party leaders, made the pledges as he campaigned in the sub-counties of Kabwoya and Kyangwali in Kikuube district.
Kikuube residents will vote on June 18, 2026, for a new district chairperson following the death of the incumbent district chairperson, Peter Banura, in a car crash on April 4, 2026.
NRM Electoral Commission, Commissioner Jane Alisemera speaking during a campaign meeting. (Photo by Peter Abaanabasazi)
The by-election has left some NRM supporters and leaders divided following the disqualification of Philip Burnet Mbabazi, the son of Maj. Gen. (rtd) Matayo Kyaligonza, during the nomination process by the Electoral Commission (EC), complained about the mismatching academic papers. Mbabazi petitioned the EC, contesting the nomination of Kisembo and Fenekansi Tinkamanyire of the National Unity Platform (NUP).
Mbabazi had won the NRM primary elections, defeating Kisembo, who got 16,459 votes. But Mbabazi's disqualification forced the NRM secretariat to replace him with Kisembo, who came second. Kisembo had turned up to be nominated as an independent candidate.
The EC was expected to deliver the ruling over the petition today (June 10), but by the time of filing this story at 8:50 pm, the EC had not pronounced itself on the matter.
Kisembo urged Kikuube residents to vote for him, promising to advocate for improved service delivery.
He noted that Kikuube is an agricultural district, adding that this sector needs to be supported by providing farmers with tools such as tractors and fertilisers.
On the issue of education, Kisembo said that Kikuube has a lot of gaps in education, such as a lack of enough teachers, classrooms and staff quarters, which he promised to focus on.
While addressing the NRM village Leaders at Kyangwali sub-county headquarters, Alisemera said that their campaigns were going on as planned and that Kisembo was the chosen party candidate.
NRM village structure leaders cheering on while the National Resistance Movement (NRM) flagbearer Paddy Kisembo addressed them. (Photo by Peter Abaanabasazi)
She noted that all 56 NRM village structure leaders who were invited turned up, and their response was positive.
She challenged those who have not yet joined them to stop being misled and join what she called a winning team.
Vicente Opio, the Kikuube district NRM vice chairperson, called on the village leaders to move door-to-door and spread the message to demystify the rumours being spread by Mbabazi's group.
When contacted for a comment about the ruling, the Kikuube district returning officer, Emmanuel Twine, said he had not received any communication from his boss, Justice Simon Byabakama, the EC chairman, regarding the petition.