Kadaga, Babalanda win unopposed as NRM factions seek unity in Busoga
The First Deputy Prime Minister, Ms Rebecca Kadaga, was declared unopposed as Chairperson of the NRM Women’s League in Mbulamuti Sub-county, Kamuli District. Photo/Tausi Nakato
What you need to know:
- Mr Mulumba, concerned by the visible factionalism, urged party members to put aside their differences for the greater good of the National Resistance Movement (NRM).
The Luuka District NRM Chairperson, Mr Medi Mulumba, has called for reconciliation among party members following the defeat of former Minister for the Presidency, Ms Esther Mbayo, in a recent parish-level election.
Ms Mbayo, who also serves as the Luuka District Woman Member of Parliament, lost the Women’s League Chairperson race for Irongo Parish in Irongo Sub-county to her long-time political rival, Ms Annet Nabirye. Nabirye garnered 27 votes, while Mbayo secured 17.
Despite the loss, Mbayo urged her supporters to remain steadfast.
"This loss should not make us lose hope," she said. "My voters were hidden prior to the election, but we will come back stronger."
Mr Mulumba, concerned by the visible factionalism, urged party members to put aside their differences for the greater good of the National Resistance Movement (NRM).
“We need to reconcile and work together as one NRM family,” he said. “Disunity will only harm our party's interests.”
Former Minister for the Presidency and current Luuka District Woman MP, Ms Esther Mbayo. Photo/Courtesy
Meanwhile, Ms Mbayo was declared winner of the Iganga-Lambala Village NRM Women’s League by-election just a week after she had lost the same seat to Ms Justine Muwaga. Mbayo had boycotted the first election, citing irregularities.
The by-election, conducted on Tuesday, May 13 under heavy security, followed a petition she filed with the NRM Electoral Commission Chairperson, Dr Tanga Odoi, claiming that non-residents had participated in the earlier poll.
Her victory in the by-election has reinvigorated her supporters and added another layer of intrigue to Luuka’s heated political scene, especially as Mbayo seeks re-election as Woman MP in the 2026 polls. She now faces competition from at least three other declared candidates: Ms Resty Kawowo, Ms Olivia Namwase, and Ms Annet Nabirye.
Mr Mulumba’s call for reconciliation comes at a crucial time as the party strives to consolidate unity ahead of the general elections.
Kadaga, Babalanda Win Unopposed in Kamuli
In neighboring Kamuli District, the NRM Women's League elections took a different turn, with signs of cooperation and political maturity emerging among contenders.
First Deputy Prime Minister, Ms Rebecca Kadaga, and Minister for the Presidency, Ms Milly Babalanda, were both elected unopposed as chairpersons of the Women’s Leagues in Mbulamuti and Nkondo Sub-counties respectively, amid scenes of jubilation.
In Bugabula South, former Kamuli District Chairperson, Mr Thomas Kategere, nominated his rival, Mr Matthew Bazanya, for chairperson of Kitayunjwa Sub-county mainstream. Bazanya sailed through unopposed, while Kategere himself was elected unopposed as Secretary for Finance.
“We are all NRM and can't afford internal differences,” Mr Kategere said. “When either of us wins the flag, we shall all have to support him.”
According to party guidelines, candidates may be elected through voting, consensus, or appointment by the chairperson, none of which allow for petitions.
In Kamuli Municipality, incumbent Women’s League chairperson Ms Baroda Watongola stepped down for her rival, Ms Mastula Namayovu, who was elected unopposed.
Elsewhere, former Makerere Guild President Mr Apollo Kazungu was elected Vice Chairperson of Southern Division, while Mr Eric Mbiira Mugabi was declared Secretary for Finance for Northern Division, unopposed.
Mr Sam Bamwole, the Kamuli District NRM Chairperson, stressed the importance of regional solidarity within the party.
“We all have a common goal. If Mama Kadaga doesn't retain the CEC post, Busoga is dead in NRM,” he warned.
Notably, key party figures, including incumbent Bugabula South MP Mr Maurice Kibalya and former Minister for Works Mr Asuman Kiyingi, did not participate in the elections.
