NRM issues flag-bearer roadmap for Kikuube chairperson byelection

KIKUUBE - The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party has unveiled a roadmap for electing its flag-bearer in the upcoming Kikuube district LC5 chairperson byelection.

The development follow the death of incumbent Peter Banura on April 4, 2026, in a car crash. Banura, the son of Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Matayo Kyaligonza was hit by a fast-moving taxi in Butyamba-Kamusunsi village, Kiziranfumbi town council, on the Hoima-Fort Portal highway.

Speaking after chairing Kikuube district NRM delegates conference at Kikuube District Headquarters on April 28, party electoral commission chairperson Dr Tanga Odoi said the party had kicked off internal processes to identify a replacement candidate in line with party  electoral guidelines. 

“We have come to abide by the law, which requires us to get a replacement within a specified timeframe,” Odoi said.

“Peter Banura was our flag-bearer, and we must now conduct primaries to get a new one before facing other political parties and independent candidates.”

Competitive primaries

Odoi revealed that delegates unanimously agreed to have a competitive primary election. 

“We are now calling for expression of interest starting tomorrow Wednesday until next week,” he said.

He added that nominations will follow after verification of candidates’ academic documents, warning that only those cleared by the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) or, for foreign qualifications, the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE), would be allowed to contest.

Dr Tanga Odoi (L), the NRM Electoral Commission Chairperson invited all the aspirant to introduce themselves to the Kikuube district NRM delegates. (Peter Abaanabasazi)

He noted that the expression of interest will start on 29th April and will end after one week. 

The party set the nomination fee at Shs1 million, noting that the election would usher in a full five-year term, hence the need for a fresh process.

According to the tentative roadmap, the party primaries are expected next month.
Odoi cautioned aspirants against engaging in sectarian politics, warning that any candidate found promoting tribalism, spreading malicious rumours or engaging in character assassination would be disqualified.

"Anyone who uses ethnic sentiments or unverified allegations will be disqualified. We want to set an example, especially in this oil region where stability is critical,” he said.
He emphasised that the party electoral body and secretariat do not have a preferred candidate, noting that all aspirants would be given a fair platform.

NRM director for mobilisation Dr Rosemary Seninde said the party was keen on ensuring a transparent and inclusive process to avoid divisions.

She warned the aspirant and supporters against fighting to maintain the party's strength and vibrance.

“We have come here to share with and have strategies on how to have free and fair primary elections but we have not come here to choose for you” she noted.

As a party secretariat we need to win these elections by 90% and show that Kikuube is for NRM, we cannot impose a candidate. We must listen to the people and allow them to decide through democratic processes,” she added.

She said the party had engaged leaders from village to district level to gather views and understand the local political landscape ahead of the primaries.

Party communications director Emmanuel Dombo said NRM values democracy, the reason they convened today's meeting to consult with the local leaders.

He said Kikuube was largely an NRM stronghold and was optimistic the party would win the seat with a landslide victory. 

Florence Natumanya the Kikuube district woman member Parliament called on the voters to avoid aspirants who have been frontend by individual who think they influential.

She asked the voters to vote for someone depending on his capacity and leadership skills.

Kikuube Resident District Commissioner Godwine Agalia said the district has 14,400 NRM voters and that as leaders, they desire to have a peaceful election. 

He, therefore, warned against politics of tribalism, sectarianism, bribery and abuse in the district.

The aspirant who have shown interest in carrying the ruling party's flag include presidential advisor on Bunyoro affairs Micheal Christopher Ayera, Kikuube district youth councillor Agaba George, district vice-chairperson Vicente Opio, the deceased's brother Philp Mbabazi,  agricultural officer Paddy Kisembo and businessman Valentine Rubasharaza.