MP candidates in early lead

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Preliminary parliamentary election results across Uganda have revealed unexpected outcomes, with several long-serving lawmakers, ministers and parliamentary committee chairpersons trailing.

As tallying began in many constituencies yesterday, few anticipated that political heavyweights would be trounced by underdog candidates.

In some areas, veteran politicians have managed to stay afloat politically. The National Unity Platform (NUP) has lost ground in parts of Buganda, with the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) regaining seats in several constituencies.

Across the country, NRM candidates were in the lead as the race to Parliament continued to take shape.

Opposition parties, such as Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), Uganda People’s Congress (UPC), the Democratic Party (DP), Conservative Party (CP) and Alliance for National Transformation (ANT), among others, also registered some inroads into the House.

As the day progressed, it became increasingly clear that money, incumbency and political influence were no longer enough to shield some of Parliament’s most powerful figures.

Across the country, voters have elevated lesser-known candidates, signalling a quiet, but notable transformation in Uganda’s parliamentary politics.

Political observers said voters were using the ballot to signal dissatisfaction with some parliamentary candidates. Uganda’s political system has evolved from the non-partisan movement system, which emphasised individual merit, to a competitive multi-party system following the 2005 referendum.

Neck and neck contests

In some areas, preliminary results indicated a neck and neck battle, while in other areas, Election Commission (EC) officials declared candidates who had overwhelmingly stood out.

In Rujumbura county, the security minister, Maj. Gen. Jim Muhwezi (NRM) was leading, while Rukungiri municipality saw a tight contest between Lt. Gen. Henry Tumukunde (NRM) and Ingrid Turinawe of the People’s Front for Freedom.

In Adjumani West, Gen. Moses Ali (NRM) was ahead of Patrick Tandrupasi (FDC).

In Lira city’s Woman MP race, health minister Dr Jane Ruth Aceng (NRM) led in most polling stations against Gender Minister Betty Amongi (UPC).

By press time, the Amongi-Aceng race was neck and neck.

In Nyendo-Mukungwe Division, Masaka city, Mathias Mpuuga of the Democratic Front (DF) was trailing NUP’s Lubowa Gyaviira Ssebina, while in Vurra Constituency, Arua district, former state minister for finance Gabriel Gadison Ajedra (independent) was trailing in preliminary tallies against NRM’s Lenia Charity Kevin and other contenders.

For Maracha Constituency, FDC’s Denis Lee Oguzu led against NRM’s Nelson Uhuru.

In Aringa North, independent candidate Musa Karim, alias Komoro, was leading against NRM incumbent Godfrey Onzima, while in Aringa county, NRM’s Siraji Brahan Ezama led a crowded field of opposition and independent candidates.

In Kitgum municipality, FDC’s Denis Amera was leading against state minister for water and environment Beatrice Anywar (NRM).

In the Kitgum Woman MP race, the state minister for disaster preparedness, Lillian Aber (NRM), was locked in a tight contest with independent Margaret Lamwaka. In Lamwo district, Disaster Preparedness Minister Hilary Onek (NRM) faced stiff competition from independent Geoffrey Odongkara in Palabek Constituency.

In Gulu city (Laroo-Pece), Justice Minister Norbert Mao (DP) is in a tight race with the Rev. Fr Charles Onen (NRM).

In Butambala County, Erias Sserunjogi (independent), a journalist, was leading the incumbent Muwanga Kivumbi (NUP).

Other key candidates in the lead include Prof. Ephraim Kamuntu (NRM, Sheema South), Dickson Kateshumba (NRM, Sheema municipality), Michael Mawanda (NRM, Igara East), Patriotic League of Uganda leaning, Dr Elioda Tumwesigye (NRM, Sheema North), Microfinance Minister Haruna Kasolo (Kyotera), Judith Nabakoba (NRM, Woman MP Mityana).

Those trailing include: Asuman Basalirwa (JEEMA, Bugiri municipality), former minister Esther Mbayo (independent, Luuka District Woman), the state minister for co-operatives, Fredrick Ngobi Gume (independent, Bulamogi North West).

For Mawokota North, the battle for the seat between former minister, Amelia Kyambadde and Hilary Kiyaga was neck and neck.

Several other races across Agago, Pader, Kamwenge, Kibaale and Kitagwenda districts remained too close to call.

Whether the trend holds through final results remains to be seen, but experts said the message from voters shows that Uganda’s parliamentary politics are entering a more competitive and unpredictable phase.

Compiled by John Odyek, Timothy Mushabe, Michael Odeng, Adam Viga Gule, John Paul Opio, Anthony Atwine, Vincent Kaguta, Hilary Abisinguza, Edna Piyic, Joseph Jurua, Doreen Tasaia Dennis Ojwee, Robert Ariaka, Dismus Buregya and Daniel Nsingimana, Stuart Yiga, Nelson Kiva, Bruno Mugizi and John Musenze