Minister seeks to unseat NRM strongman Lumolo in Sironko
Florence Nambozo, State Minister for Karamoja Affairs, and Suleiman Mafabi Lumolo, Sironko NRM chairman. PHOTOS | COURTESY
What you need to know:
- Mr Suleiman Lumolo, a veteran party mobiliser, has held the Sironko NRM seat since 2000.
A political showdown is unfolding in Sironko District after State Minister for Karamoja Affairs and Woman MP Florence Nambozo declared her bid to unseat longtime NRM district chairperson Suleiman Mafabi Lumolo.
The move pits two political heavyweights against each other in what is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched contests as the National Resistance Movement (NRM) conducts grassroots elections nationwide. Mr Lumolo, a veteran party mobiliser and owner of Kampala Modernity, a car import business, has led the Sironko NRM since 2000.
He is credited with using personal funds to build the district’s first permanent party office, an act often cited as proof of his loyalty. Recently, NRM sub-county chairpersons, district councillors, youth leaders, and the District Executive Committee (DEC) endorsed Mr Lumolo as the sole candidate. “I built a party office, followed up presidential pledges, and helped secure key projects like the Namagumba–Budadiri–Nalugugu Road,” Mr Lumolo said.
However, his grip on the seat is now being tested by Ms Nambozo, who reportedly fell out with Ms Lumolo after losing party primaries to his daughter, Ms Asha Mafabi Nabulo. Though Ms Nambozo identifies as NRM-leaning, she has faced criticism from party loyalists for associating with opposition leaders. Since that fallout, she has maintained close ties with Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) strongman and Budadiri West MP Nathan Nandala Mafabi. During a recent district monitoring exercise organised by Mr Nandala, Ms Nambozo was among the attending leaders and described him as “a brother and colleague.”
Ms Nambozo confirmed her candidacy and pledged to revitalise the party’s grassroots appeal. “Sironko deserves more than just buildings — it needs cohesion, transparency, and inclusive mobilisation,” she said. “My first task will be uniting all NRM leaders before consolidating grassroots support,” she added.
Analysts say the race touches on wider themes—generational change, political dynasties, and inclusive leadership. “Sironko is now in the spotlight—where party loyalty, legacy, and grassroots power will collide,” said political analyst Robert Masolo. Beyond internal battles, the NRM also faces external pressure. Key district positions are held by FDC leaders: District Chairperson David Livingstone Giruli, MPs Nathan Nandala Mafabi (Budadiri West), and Isaiah Sasaga (Budadiri East). NRM leaders, including Mr Lumolo, say the party is focused on reclaiming lost ground.
“We are reorganising to take back what we lost in 2026. NRM has delivered,” Mr Lumolo said. “We are ready to kick out the opposition,” he added. Despite holding 54 of the 89 district council seats, internal rifts and a surge in independents have weakened the party’s base. Mr Lumolo issued a warning: “If your plan is to run independently after primaries, don’t participate.”
