FDC defector Amanyire wins Masindi municipality mayoral seat

MASINDI - Rogers Amanyire, the newly elected Mayor for Masindi Municipality, has pledged to prioritise infrastructure development, transparency and accountability during his tenure. 

Amanyire, who was the Forum for Democratic Change party's general secretary, defected in 2024 to the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and secured a landslide victory.

NRM flag-bearer Amanyire won with 10,062 votes, Isaac Bongmin (FDC) came in second with 2,583 votes, followed by Ronald Businge Kyomuhendo (incumbent mayor, independent) with 2,383 votes. Asiina Nakalema (independent) received 693 votes, and Milly Mateeba (independent) garnered 212 votes.

"These are going to be key on my priorities. We have missed out on these projects because of a lack of focused leadership. I am going to ensure that technocrats and the political leadership work together," Amanyire told New Vision Online shortly after he was announced the winner on January 28, 2026.

He aims to secure the Uganda Support to Municipalities Infrastructure Development (USIMID) project to improve the drainage system, lighting and roads and also get a modern market.

Masindi, a traditional town, has historically missed out on significant capital development projects and currently faces challenges such as inadequate street lighting and poor garbage management.

Amanyire also called for support from various stakeholders, emphasising the extensive work ahead and committed to ensuring that there is transparency, fostering unity and ensuring voter involvement in all initiatives undertaken during his term.

The election was successfully conducted using Biometric Voter Verification Kits (BVVK), which had experienced malfunctions during the presidential and parliamentary elections on January 15, 2026.

Voting delays and low turnout

Voting was delayed in some polling stations, including Masindi Stadium, Masindi Police Barracks, Kabarwana, and Kamurasi, due to difficulties in finding the ten required witnesses for opening ballot boxes. Cloudy weather also contributed to the slow start.

Voter turnout was generally low across all four divisions of Masindi Municipality: Central, Karujubu, Nyangahya, and Kigulya, with many residents citing fatigue from repeated visits to polling stations.

Several voters expressed optimism about the new mayor. Gilbert Wanok from Kirasa cell, Central Division, remarked, "I am happy that we have voted for a mayor who understands the common person. Given his humble background, we are optimistic that he will deliver."