KAMPALA, Uganda — Uganda’s ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party primaries concluded Thursday, July 17, 2025, in a dramatic blend of widespread disputes, alleged violence, numerous arrests, and ultimately, the declaration of winners across various constituencies. The polls were characterized by both jubilation and accusations of a “militarized process.”
The elections were marred by significant controversy and security incidents. In Sembabule District’s hotly contested Mawogola County race, parliamentary aspirant Yasin Kironde sought to annul the election. Kironde accused the party of overseeing a “militarized and violent process,” claiming Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) soldiers interfered to favor his opponent, Oswaldo Dez Byuma. He alleged 13 of his campaign agents were injured in security-related violence and hospitalized.
“Since the commencement of this process, our supporters and campaign agents have been subjected to targeted violence, arrests, kidnappings and threats perpetrated under the guise of machinery,” Kironde stated. He withdrew his agents from all polling stations in protest, describing the events as a “betrayal of the democratic principles that the NRM claims to uphold under President Museveni.”
Wilberforce Begumisa, Kironde’s rival in Mawogola West, leveled similar accusations against the incumbent and State Minister for Health, Anifa Kawooya Bangirana, alleging voter bribery and intimidation. Begumisa vowed to challenge the results with collected evidence.
PHOTOS: Earlier, voting for NRM parliamentary flag bearers in all villages across the country.
Thousands of party members turned up to throw their weight behind their favourite candidates as they chose flag bearers for both constituency and District Women MPs.
The exercise… pic.twitter.com/LJBOy4reVW
— NRM Party (@NRMOnline) July 17, 2025
Elsewhere, voters in Namatovu Village, Luwero District, petitioned the district registrar over irregularities after finding only one supporter’s name in the party’s “yellow book,” with others listed from neighboring villages. The District Registrar confirmed the complaint and referred it to the NRM Secretariat for guidance.
In Nakaseke North constituency, voters at Kijjumba village and Butebere in Ngoma sub-county missed elections after presiding officers abandoned polling stations due to intimidation. At Butebere, candidate Ndamira Phillip allegedly stormed the polling station, threatening voters and officials before drawing a gun, causing voters to flee. Residents reported a retired colonel also stormed the station armed with a pistol, forcing the presiding officer to flee with the register and report the incident to Ngoma Police Station.
The NRM District Registrar said elections in those areas were called off due to intimidation. However, elections proceeded smoothly across the rest of the constituency, and results would be announced based on available tallies.
Earlier, a supporter was shot in the legs at Kimotozi village in Kinyogogogga after attacking a UPDF soldier guarding the station. Separately, an aide to incumbent Member of Parliament Enock Nyongore, was shot and injured by bodyguards of rival candidate Phillip Ndamira Tumukunde.
At Ndejje Polling station in Luwero district, the father of an NRM candidate reportedly stormed the polling station and tore Declaration of Results (DR) forms in protest before police intervened. Police are investigating the incident and others in Makulubita sub-county, where supporters also tore DR forms.
My wife and I voted today from Nyamiyaga Village, Bitereko Sub-County, in Ruhinda North during the NRM primaries. For my candidature to continue representing Ruhinda North on the NRM ticket, we based our campaign on what we promised, what we delivered, and what we intend to… pic.twitter.com/zBgPs5iooP
— Thomas Tayebwa (@Thomas_Tayebwa) July 17, 2025
Security remained visibly tight at the Lira District tally center at Itek Sub-county headquarters, where police and UPDF soldiers guarded the fenced premises, barring supporters from entry. The Lira contest pits former Lands Minister Sam Engola against former Resident District Commissioner George Abdul, with the winner slated to face Uganda People’s Congress candidate Jonathan Odur for the Erute South MP seat in the 2026 general election.
In Otuke District, police arrested two individuals on accusations of voter bribery. They were allegedly distributing money on behalf of incumbent Woman MP Susan Abeja.
Despite the widespread reports of contention, by 5 p.m., most polling stations had closed, and preliminary results indicated several winners across the country. In Wakiso District, supporters of some candidates were seen celebrating in the streets, anticipating victories based on preliminary counts.
Preliminary results indicated the following individuals as winners in their respective races:
- Phiona Nyamutoro (Nebbi Woman MP)
- Thomas Tayebwa (MP, Ruhinda North County, Mitooma District)
- Anita Among (Woman MP, Bukedea District)
- Matia Kasaija (Buyanja County, Kibaale District)
- Jim Muhwezi (MP, Rujumbura County, Rukungiri District)
- Molly Kamukama (Woman MP, Kazo District)
- Moses Ali (MP, East Moyo County, Adjumani District)
- Iddi Bassajja (Bushenyi-Ishaka Municipality Constituency)
- Annet Katusiime Mugisha (Woman MP, Bushenyi District)
- Robinah Nabbanja (Woman MP, Kakumiro District)
- Sylvia Alinaitwe (Woman MP, Rukiga County)
- Jane Frances Acilo (Woman MP, Oyam District)
- Gen. Henry Tumukunde (MP, Rukungiri Municipality)
- Moses Balyeku (Jinja West)
- Joseph Mugenyi (MP, Burahya County, Kabarole)
- Frank Tumwebaze (Kibale East)
- Jackson Kafuuzi (Kyaka South)
- Ephraim Kamuntu (Sheema South)
- Sylia Katooko Damba (Kibuku Woman MP)
- Edson Rugumayo (MP, Ntoroko County)
- Mbaziira Richard (MP, Jinja South East)
- Faridah Nambi (Kawempe North)
- Micheal Mawanda (Igara East)
- Steven Shyaka Gashaija (Entebbe Municipality)
- Rebecca Kyarampe Namanya (Mitooma District)
- Elioda Tumwesigye (Sheema North MP seat)
- Dickson Kateshumbwa (Sheema Municipality)
- Adrine Mwebesa (Woman MP, Sheema)
- Kahinda Otafiire (Ruhinda County)
- Arthur Kazoora (Ruhinda South)
- Dennis Namara (Buyaga West)
- Jessica Alupo (Katakwi District Woman MP)
- Counsel Cohen Kyampene (Igara West)
- Rebecca Kadaga (Kamuli District Woman MP)
