NRM sweeps majority MP seats in Bugisu

BUGISU - The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) has posted a commanding performance across the Bugisu region, clinching the majority of the presidential vote and parliamentary seats, further entrenching its political dominance in eastern Uganda.

In Mbale city, veteran politician Lydia Wanyoto finally broke through after several unsuccessful attempts, winning the Woman Member of Parliament (MP) seat. Her victory marked the culmination of years of persistence in elective politics.

In Mbale Northern Division, Umar Nagoli emerged the winner, defeating Hudu Hussein, who had previously benefited from an NRM electoral commission decision that annulled Nagoli’s earlier victory over alleged electoral irregularities. In the final vote, the electorate delivered a clear verdict, sending Nagoli to Parliament for the fourth time.

The Mbale City Industrial Division race produced a major upset, with Masaba Karim, an independent, retaining his seat against strong competition from Anthony Wasukira (independent) and Wekesa Wamboko (NRM), underscoring the continued influence of personal political capital in urban constituencies.

Bududa

In Bududa district, Opposition Chief Whip John Baptist Nambeshe retained the Manjiya County seat. However, in the closely contested Woman MP race, embattled former minister Agnes Nandutu lost to Agnes Shiwuma of the NRM.

In Bushigayi County, Steven Wabusani of the NRM replaced David Wakikona, who withdrew from elective politics due to ill health. Wabusani, a former Bududa District chairperson, defeated Wilson Watila, an independent, to claim the seat.

Manafwa

Manafwa District delivered mixed results. Chris Matembu Wataka, an independent leaning towards FDC, defeated Ronny Walukhu of the NRM to win the Bubulo West County seat. In the Woman MP race, Rose Mutonyi Masaba reclaimed the seat after losing in the primaries, defeating Annet Misibikha, a first-time contender under the NRM ticket. Godfrey Wakooli Matembu also retained the Butiru County seat, beating Kefa Mafumo, a former official at the State House youth desk.

John Baptist Nambeshe (NUP), won the Manjiya County MP seat in Bududa district. (Credit: Leonard Mukooli)

Mbale district

In Mbale District, the NRM swept most constituencies. Shafiga Wanyenya won Bungokho North, unseating incumbent Dr. John Faith Magola. In Bungokho Central, newcomer Masaba Muhamoud Mutenyo defeated incumbent Richard Wanda, while Geoffrey Wokuri beat the incumbent Robert Wandwasi to take Bungokho South. Miriam Mukhaye retained the Woman MP seat.

Sironko district

In Sironko District, Asha Nabulo Mafabi of the NRM defeated Karamoja Affairs state minister Florence Nambozo Wamala, overturning the 2021 result. Julius Nakiyi of the NRM captured Budadiri East from FDC’s Isaiah Ssasaga, while Budadiri West went to Godfrey Wanyoto, an independent, who is now to replace Nathan Nadala in Parliament.

Bulambuli

The NRM further tightened its grip in Bulambuli district, where Gerald Nagoli defeated former Energy Minister Irene Muloni by a margin exceeding 7,000 votes to retain the Elgon North County seat.

Emmanuel Biara Wepukhulu of the NRM won the Bulambuli County parliamentary seat. At the same time, Wamakuyu Ignatius Mudimi Nyashiyo, despite losing the party flag in the primaries, returned to Parliament as an independent to retain the Elgon County seat.

Namisindwa

In Namisindwa District, Peace Khalayi of the NRM won the Woman Member of Parliament seat after defeating Khanakwa Sarah Bwayo. John Musila also retained the Bubulo East County seat on the NRM ticket.

Meanwhile, in Namisindwa County, Metrine Musufa of the NRM caused a major upset by defeating incumbent Apollo Masika, completing the party’s strong showing in the district.