Namisindwa, Uganda: Journalist Emma Bwayo, a popular radio presenter at Elgon FM 101.4 Mbale, Thursday emerged victorious in the National Resistance Movement (NRM) primaries for the Namisindwa District LCV chairperson seat, beating a field of seasoned political contenders in what voters described as “a message for change and a voice from the people.”
What You Need To Know:-
Bwayo’s victory was confirmed by NRM district election officials on the evening of July 24 following the tallying of results from all polling areas across Namisindwa.
He polled 121,944 votes, representing 61.2%, followed by the incumbent Jackson Wakweika with 72,957 votes (36.6%) while Situma Mango got 3,693 votes (1.91%), and Simiyu Patrick polled 567 votes (0.3%).
“I am humbled by the trust the people of Namisindwa have placed in me,” Bwayo told DailyExpress shortly after receiving his official declaration. “This win is not just mine, it belongs to the market vendors, the farmers, the youth in Buwasunguyi, the mothers in Magale. I promise to be your voice and your servant.”
The Elgon FM presenter, who has built a reputation for addressing community grievances and development issues on his radio show, said his decision to join politics was driven by a desire to offer practical solutions and accountable leadership.
Support from the Grassroots
Voters who turned up to cast their ballots in the mountainous eastern district praised Bwayo’s accessibility and media track record as a key reason behind his landslide victory.
“Emma has been with us every time he’s on radio. He talks about our real struggles, poor roads, lack of clean water, joblessness,” said one Maria Namwase, a voter from Buwasunguyi. “He’s not like other politicians who come only during elections.”
Wakooli, another voter from Bukokho sub-county, said Bwayo’s voice on air made a difference in people’s lives: “He helped us get a borehole last year after raising our issue on radio. That is leadership.”
A Political Outsider Unseats the Status Quo
Bwayo’s win marks a significant shift in Namisindwa’s local politics, with voters choosing a media personality over traditional political figures. Analysts say his candidacy resonated strongly with youth and women, especially in underserved rural susub-counties.
NRM officials at the district level confirmed the primaries were largely peaceful, with isolated complaints of delays in polling material delivery. No major incidents of violence or fraud were reported.
Addressing his supporters after the final declaration, Bwayo emphasized unity and reconciliation. “This is a victory for NRM and the people. Let us now work together for development, not division,” he said.
He also pledged to prioritize key issues affecting Namisindwa, including health care, education, road infrastructure, and agriculture. “As someone who listens every day on the radio, I know what matters to my people,” he added.
Bwayo will now face off with other candidates in the 2026 general elections, carrying the NRM flag in a district seen as a battleground for service delivery and post-2021 election reforms.
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