The Luuka District Chairperson of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), Mr. Medi Mulumba, has urged party unity following the recent electoral defeat of Ms. Esther Mbayo, the former Minister for the Presidency, in a parish-level poll.
Ms. Mbayo, who is also the current Woman MP for Luuka District, lost the Irongo Parish Women’s League Chairperson race to her longtime rival, Ms. Annet Nabirye. Nabirye secured 27 votes against Mbayo’s 17.
Despite the setback, Mbayo encouraged her supporters to remain hopeful.
“This defeat shouldn’t discourage us,” she said. “Some of my voters were hidden before the vote, but we will return stronger.”
Mr. Mulumba expressed concern over growing divisions within the party and appealed for reconciliation, emphasizing the need for unity in advancing NRM’s mission.
“We must unite and move forward as one NRM family,” he said. “Infighting only weakens the party.”
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In a twist of events, Mbayo was later declared the winner of the NRM Women’s League by-election for Iganga-Lambala Village, just a week after initially losing the same seat to Ms. Justine Muwaga. Mbayo had boycotted the first vote, citing voter irregularities, and filed a petition with the NRM Electoral Commission Chairperson, Dr. Tanga Odoi. The by-election, held on May 13 under tight security, upheld her petition and granted her victory—re-energizing her base as she prepares to defend her parliamentary seat in 2026 against at least three declared challengers: Ms. Resty Kawowo, Ms. Olivia Namwase, and Ms. Annet Nabirye.
Mr. Mulumba’s reconciliation call comes at a pivotal moment, as the party braces for internal contests and the next general elections.
Unity Prevails in Kamuli NRM Polls
Meanwhile, in Kamuli District, the Women’s League elections saw greater harmony. First Deputy Prime Minister Rebecca Kadaga and Minister for the Presidency Milly Babalanda were both elected unopposed as Women’s League leaders in Mbulamuti and Nkondo Sub-counties, respectively, amid celebrations.
In Bugabula South, former Kamuli District Chairperson Mr. Thomas Kategere nominated his former opponent Mr. Matthew Bazanya for chairperson of Kitayunjwa Sub-county, who won unchallenged. Kategere himself was also elected Secretary for Finance unopposed.
“We are one NRM. Whoever wins the flag, we all rally behind them,” he said.
According to NRM regulations, party leaders may be chosen by voting, consensus, or appointment by the chairperson—none of which allow for disputes through petitions.
Elsewhere in Kamuli Municipality, incumbent Women’s League chairperson Ms. Baroda Watongola stepped aside for Ms. Mastula Namayovu, who took the position unopposed.
In other results, former Makerere Guild President Apollo Kazungu was elected vice chairperson for the Southern Division, and Mr. Eric Mbiira Mugabi became secretary for finance for the Northern Division, both without opposition.
Kamuli NRM Chairperson Mr. Sam Bamwole emphasized the importance of collective regional strength.
“Our unity is key. If Mama Kadaga loses her CEC position, Busoga’s influence in the NRM will decline,” he warned.
Notably, key political figures such as Bugabula South MP Maurice Kibalya and former Works Minister Asuman Kiyingi were absent from the electoral process.
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