TOORO/RWENZORI, Uganda – Ten incumbent Members of Parliament, including two ministers, lost their bids for the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party flag in fiercely contested primaries held last Thursday across the Tooro and Rwenzori sub-regions. The defeats pave the way for new party flag bearers in 10 of the 21 constituencies and 10 district women’s MP positions ahead of Uganda’s 2026 general elections. Sitting district chairpersons who sought parliamentary seats also failed to secure the party’s endorsement.
The primaries saw significant upsets in districts including Kasese, Bundibugyo, Ntoroko, Kabarole, Kitagwenda, Bunyangabu, Fort Portal City, Kamwenge, Kyenjojo and Kyegegwa.
In Bunyangabu District, Peace Mutuuzo, the junior minister for Gender and Culture and District Woman MP since 2017, was unseated by newcomer Sarah Kabarokole. Kabarokole garnered 31,850 votes to Mutuuzo’s 20,099, ending the minister’s eight-year tenure as the party’s flag bearer.
Kabarole District also saw a minister fall, with State Minister for Local Government Victoria Businge Rusoke losing the Woman MP flag to Annet Pamela Kirungi. Kirungi polled 14,224 votes, surpassing Rusoke’s 11,610 votes.
In Kasese District, State Minister for ICT Godfrey Baluku Kabyanga’s attempt to return to Parliament was thwarted. After losing Kasese Municipality in the 2021 general elections, Kabyanga contested in Bukonzo West County but lost to Dr. Crispus Kiyonga, who received 19,965 votes to Kabyanga’s 10,218. Kabyanga pledged his support for the party’s choice, stating, “I remain committed to the NRM cause and will stand behind the party’s choice.”
In Busongora South County, Kasese District, incumbent MP Gideon Mujungu Thembo narrowly lost to David Mulindwa Isimbwa. Isimbwa secured 11,816 votes against Thembo’s 11,563.
Ntoroko County’s incumbent MP since 2010, Gerald Ibanda Rwemulikya, lost to Edison Rugumayo, the outgoing Western Youth MP. Additionally, incumbent MP Donald Katalihwa was unseated in Mwenge South.
