NRM's Tanga Odoi okays Kikuube NRM primaries' results declaration

__________________

The Kikuube district National Resistance Movement (NRM) office declared provisional winners of its parliamentary primaries on July 18, 2025, after receiving approval from NRM Electoral Commission chairperson Dr Tanga Odoi.

Principal election officer Paschal Musuuga announced the results at 3:00 am, following disputes over alleged irregularities, including unregistered voters casting ballots and results tampering in certain areas.

Musuuga said complaints had been forwarded to Tanga Odoi, with a promise to address grievances before finalising outcomes. By 10:00 am, however, results were declared despite protests from losing candidates.

Dan Muhirwe and other candidates with their agents waiting for declaration of results on Friday at around 3 am. (Photo by Peter Abaanabasazi)

Buhaguzi County results

Francis Kazini emerged victorious with 18,260 votes (51.0%), defeating Dan Muhairwe (13,577 votes, 37.9%), Nestore Tumwesigye (2,072 votes, 5.6%), Byaruhanga Ali (1,681 votes, 4.7%), and Mandela Wilson (248 votes, 0.7%).

Buhaguzi East

Steven Asera Rwaitaza won with 6,440 votes (39.8%), edging out former MP Julius Junjura Bigirwa (4,801 votes, 29.7%), ex-Ministry of Works engineer Julius Ahura (4,263 votes, 26.6%), teacher Godfrey Busobozi (380 votes, 2.3%), and Collines Tumusiime (304 votes, 1.9%).

Women’s MP Race

Florance Natumanya secured the Kikuube district women’s seat with 25,857 votes (57.8%), outperforming Zulia Mbalirwa Nyakahara (8,486 votes, 18.7%), Joan Kyomuhendo (6,161 votes, 13.6%), Specioza Musiime (2,540 votes, 5.6%), and Lillian Kabooga (2,304 votes, 5.1%).

Process defended

Musuuga defended the process, calling it “free and fair,” and emphasised peaceful voting.

However, Kikuube NRM Administrative Secretary Robert Mwebesa revealed that Tanga Odoi had authorised including disputed votes and skipping reruns in eight villages due to budget constraints.

“Odoi told us the rejected results and areas that didn’t vote would not affect the outcome,” Mwebesa stated.

Dan Muhairwe, who lost to Kazini, condemned the process as irregular but ruled out petitioning the NRM commission, citing distrust in the system.

Kazini and Natumanya thanked supporters and pledged to prioritise roads, healthcare, education, and land issues.

The declaration underscores ongoing tensions within the NRM as Uganda gears toward the 2026 general election.