Bugisu Region, Uganda: A political storm swept through Bugisu Sub-region on Thursday, leaving only four incumbent MPs standing as flag bearers for the National Resistance Movement (NRM) ahead of Uganda’s 2026 General Elections.
The just-concluded party primaries saw long-serving legislators, former ministers, and household political names unseated for the ruling party’s flag in what observers have described as a clear voter revolt against incumbency, scandal, and non-performance.
Among the most high-profile casualties are Mary Goretti Kitutu (Manafwa Woman MP), Irene Muloni (Bulambuli Woman MP), Michael Welikhe Kafabusa (former State Minister for Housing), and Agnes Nandutu (Bududa Woman MP and ex-Minister for Karamoja Affairs). All four had previously enjoyed significant influence within the NRM and in the national political landscape.
In Mbale City, the biggest political upset saw Umar Nangoli aka Local Breed defeating incumbent Northern City Division MP Seth Wambede, securing the NRM flag. Nangoli, who rides on his grassroots mobilization and urban youth support, is expected to reshape the political dynamics in Mbale’s urban space.
John Wekesa Wambogo, the Mbale City NRM Chairman, won the party’s flag for Industrial Division MP, while Mbale Industrial City Mayor Muhamood Masaba Mutenyo emerged victorious as NRM flag bearer for Bungokho Central, defeating former Housing Minister Michael Kafabusa who sought a political comeback.
Wazembe Hussein Wachagi, a youthful coffee dealer, pulled off another upset by defeating incumbent John Faith Magolo for the Bungokho North MP flag.
Meanwhile, Miriam Mukhaye retained her hold as NRM Woman MP flag bearer for Mbale District.
In the Mbale City Woman MP race, veteran politician Lydia Wanyoto Mutende fended off stiff competition from Ritah Namuwenge (Maama Emyooga) and Dr. Sarah Wasagali Kanaabi (who recently resigned as ERA Chairperson) to retain the flag, positioning herself for a rematch against her perennial rival, Connie Nakayenze Galiwango, in 2026.
Bulambuli: Minister Muloni Ousted
Bulambuli District mirrored the anti-incumbent wave with Sarah Nambozo Wekomba defeating former Minister of Energy Irene Muloni for the Woman MP flag. Muloni’s defeat, despite her national stature, signals grassroots dissatisfaction with leaders seen as detached from local issues.
In Elgon County, Massa Moses beat Ignatius Mudimi, whose links to the controversial war claim compensation scandal haunted his re-election bid. Emmanuel Wepukhulu Biara also secured the flag for Bulambuli County MP.
Manafwa: Kitutu, Bubulo West MP
In Manafwa, the iron sheets scandal took its toll on Mary Goretti Kitutu, who lost the Woman MP flag to Annet Musibikha. Christopher Welikhe, MP for Bubulo West, was also defeated.
Only Rastafarian John Musila (Bubulo East) and Godfrey Wakooli Matembu (Butiru County) survived the purge and retained their flags.
Peace Khalayi emerged victorious in the Woman MP race for Namisindwa District, signaling both a generational and gender shift. Rastafarian John Musila remains one of the few incumbents to defend his seat successfully.
While in Sironko District, Eng. Julius Nakiyi won the Budadiri East flag, while Counsel Isaac Masanga Kidasa took Budadiri West.
Logose Sarah Annet unseated Florence Andiru Nebanda for the Butaleja Woman MP flag. In Bunyole East, Yusuf Mutembuli aka Ronaldo lost the flag to Nagwomu but has vowed to contest as an independent.
In Bududa District, Agnes Khainza Shiuma defeated former journalist and ex-Minister Agnes Nandutu to secure the Woman MP flag. Nandutu’s exit follows widespread dissatisfaction with her performance and accusations of abandoning constituents.
Who Survived the Political Sword?
Out of over a dozen constituencies in Bugisu, only four MPs managed to defend their NRM flags; Miriam Mukhaye (Mbale Woman MP), John Musila (Bubulo East, Namisindwa), Godfrey Wakooli Matembu (Butiru County, Manafwa) and Rastafarian John Musila (Namisindwa)
The Bugisu NRM primaries signalled a growing rejection of complacency, scandal, and underperformance. Voters have punished incumbents tied to corruption (Kitutu’s iron sheets scandal), seen as invisible (Muloni’s absenteeism from Bulambuli), or simply out of touch with rising economic and social frustrations.
The elections have also introduced new political actors, youthful, urban-savvy, and grassroots-connected, likely to challenge opposition dominance in urban constituencies. However, looming independent bids from defeated incumbents threaten to fracture the NRM’s vote and provide leverage for the opposition in 2026.
As the dust settles on the primaries, the NRM must now contend with healing intra-party rifts, managing bruised egos, and preparing its new flagbearers to deliver where their predecessors failed. The message from Bugisu voters is clear: service delivery and accountability matter more than name recognition or party seniority.
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