KIKUUBE – The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party has unveiled a roadmap for electing its flag-bearer in the forthcoming Kikuube district LC5 chairperson byelection.
The development follows the death of incumbent Peter Banura on April 4, 2026, in a car crash. Banura, the son of Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Matayo Kyaligonza was hit by a fast-moving commuter taxi in Butyamba-Kamusunsi village, Kiziranfumbi town council, on the Hoima-Fort Portal highway.
Speaking after chairing Kikuube district NRM delegates conference at Kikuube District Headquarters on Monday, party electoral commission chairperson Dr Tanga Odoi said the party had kicked off internal processes to identify a replacement candidate in line with party electoral guidelines.
“We have come to abide by the law, which requires us to get a replacement within a specified timeframe,” Odoi said.
“Peter Banura was our flag-bearer, and we must now conduct primaries to get a new one before facing other political parties and independent candidates.”
Competitive primaries
Odoi revealed that delegates unanimously agreed to have a competitive primary election.
“We are now calling for expression of interest starting tomorrow Wednesday until next week,” he said.
He added that nominations will follow after verification of candidates’ academic documents, warning that only those cleared by the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) or, for foreign qualifications, the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE), would be allowed to contest.
He noted that the expression of interest will start on 29th April and will end after one week.
The party set the nomination fee at Shs1 million, noting that the election would usher in a full five-year term, hence the need for a fresh process.
According to the tentative roadmap, the party primaries are expected next month.
Odoi cautioned aspirants against engaging in sectarian politics, warning that any candidate found promoting tribalism, spreading malicious rumours or engaging in character assassination would be disqualified.
“Anyone who uses ethnic sentiments or unverified allegations will be disqualified. We want to set an example, especially in this oil region where stability is critical,” he said.
He emphasised that the party electoral body and secretariat do not have a preferred candidate, noting that all aspirants would be given a fair platform.