KAMPALA, Uganda — A wave of veteran politicians and former cabinet ministers has secured a return to Uganda’s Parliament, according to preliminary election results, in a shift that analysts say could significantly alter the country’s legislative landscape.
The re-emergence of seasoned figures, including Justice Minister Norbert Mao and former defense minister Crispus Kiyonga, comes at a critical juncture for the East African nation as it balances the entry of first-time lawmakers with a renewed demand for institutional experience.
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In the northern city of Gulu, Norbert Mao, who also serves as the president of the Democratic Party, reclaimed the Laroo-Pece Division seat. Mao secured 7,359 votes, unseating the incumbent, Charles Onen, who garnered 5,562. The victory marks a high-profile return for Mao, a key figure in the country’s legal and constitutional affairs.
Further south in Kasese, Dr. Crispus Kiyonga, the current chancellor of Makerere University and a long-serving diplomat, was declared the winner of Bukonzo County West. Kiyonga defeated Godfrey Atkins Katusabe of the opposition Forum for Democratic Change, reclaiming a seat in a region often characterized by intense political competition.
In Erute County South, former state minister Samuel Engola, representing the ruling National Resistance Movement, emerged victorious with 22,404 votes. He defeated the Uganda People’s Congress candidate Jonathan Odur, who finished with 16,066 votes.
The return of these veterans is viewed by political observers as a response to the unpredictable nature of recent electoral cycles. Analysts suggest that the victories were driven by a combination of renewed grassroots mobilization and voter preference for established names during periods of economic and political transition.
Other significant comebacks include Henry Tumukunde, who won the Rukungiri Municipality seat with 7,119 votes, and Ephraim Kamuntu, who secured Sheema South with 15,337 votes. In Ntungamo Municipality, independent candidate Gerard Karuhanga reclaimed his seat by defeating the NRM incumbent Yona Musinguzi.
While the presence of these experienced lawmakers is expected to provide the next Parliament with deep legislative memory, observers note that the electorate remains focused on accountability. The mix of veteran politicians and newcomers underscores a broader message from Ugandan voters: political longevity will depend on the delivery of tangible results and responsiveness to local needs.
