KAMPALA, Uganda | July 18, 2025 —
Uganda’s ruling party, the National Resistance Movement (NRM), wrapped up its primary elections on Thursday with a mix of celebrations and chaos, as early winners were declared in several constituencies amid complaints of electoral irregularities, violence, and heightened security.
By 5:20 PM, polling had closed in most areas nationwide, with crowds of anxious supporters and candidates gathering at district tally centers in anticipation of official announcements. In Wakiso District, jubilant scenes broke out in the streets as supporters celebrated unofficial results favoring their preferred candidates.
Big Names Among Early Front-Runners
Unofficial results point to several high-profile wins, including:
- Anita Among – Bukedea Woman MP
- Thomas Tayebwa – Ruhinda North County, Mitooma District
- Matia Kasaija – Buyanja County, Kibaale
- Phiona Nyamutoro – Nebbi Woman MP
- Robinah Nabbanja – Kakumiro Woman MP
- Jim Muhwezi – Rujumbura County, Rukungiri
- Moses Ali – East Moyo County, Adjumani
- Iddi Bassajja – Bushenyi-Ishaka Municipality
- Molly Kamukama – Kazo Woman MP
- Annet Katusiime Mugisha – Bushenyi Woman MP
- Sylvia Alinaitwe – Rukiga Woman MP
- Gen. Henry Tumukunde – Rukungiri Municipality
- Moses Balyeku – Jinja West
- Joseph Mugenyi – Burahya County, Kabarole
- Frank Tumwebaze – Kibale East
- Jane Frances Acilo – Oyam Woman MP
- Jackson Kafuuzi – Kyaka South
- Ephraim Kamuntu – Sheema South
- Sylia Katooko Damba – Kibuku Woman MP
- Mbaziira Richard – Jinja South East
- Faridah Nambi – Kawempe North
- Micheal Mawanda – Igara East
- Edson Rugumayo – Ntoroko County
- Steven Shyaka Gashaija – Entebbe Municipality
- Elioda Tumwesigye – Sheema North
- Dickson Kateshumbwa – Sheema Municipality
- Adrine Mwebesa – Sheema Woman MP
- Rebecca Kyarampe Namanya – Mitooma District
- Kahinda Otafiire – Ruhinda County
- Arthur Kazoora – Ruhinda South
- Jessica Alupo – Katakwi Woman MP
- Counsel Cohen Kyampene – Igara West
- Rebecca Kadaga – Kamuli Woman MP
- Dennis Namara – Buyaga West
In Sembabule, retired Brig. Gen. Emmanuel Rwashande defeated incumbent Theodore Ssekikubo to become NRM’s flag bearer for Lwemiyaga County, sparking local celebrations and contestation.
Controversy Mars Mawogola Elections
Meanwhile, controversy erupted in Mawogola County, where parliamentary hopeful Yasin Kironde lodged a formal complaint with the NRM Electoral Commission chairperson, Dr. Tanga Odoi, seeking the annulment of results. Kironde accused the military of intervening in favor of his rival, Oswaldo Dez Byuma, alleging that 13 of his agents were hospitalized following violent clashes.
“The process has been marred by arrests, intimidation, and open interference by armed personnel,” Kironde wrote in his petition. He said his campaign withdrew all agents from polling stations in protest, describing the exercise as “a betrayal of NRM’s core democratic values.”
Similarly, in Mawogola West, Wilberforce Begumisa accused incumbent State Minister for Health Anifa Kawooya Bangirana of widespread voter bribery and coercion, vowing to present evidence to challenge the outcome.
Polling Chaos in Central and Northern Uganda
In Luwero District, residents of Namatovu Village filed a complaint after realizing only one person from the village appeared in the official party voter register. The remaining names were listed under nearby villages. District Registrar Osuman Lubega acknowledged the issue and said it had been forwarded to the NRM Secretariat.
Further disturbances were reported in Nakaseke North, where elections in Kijjumba and Butebere villages were suspended after presiding officers were allegedly threatened by rival supporters. In one incident, candidate Phillip Ndamira is reported to have stormed a polling station with a gun, forcing officials and voters to flee. A retired military officer, Col. Kayamba, was also implicated in a separate gun-related intimidation case.
NRM district registrar Paul Tandeka confirmed that voting was cancelled in the affected areas but said the rest of the constituency proceeded without incident and results would be based on available returns.
Gun Violence and Arrests Elsewhere
In Kinyogogogga, a supporter was shot in the legs on Wednesday after reportedly charging at a soldier during a scuffle at a polling site. Additionally, Dan Komuzaire, a personal aide to incumbent MP Enock Nyongore, was injured after being shot by guards belonging to rival Phillip Ndamira Tumukunde.
In Lira District, heavy security was maintained around the tally center at Itek Sub-county headquarters, where police and soldiers blocked access to supporters. The hotly contested race pits former Lands Minister Sam Engola against former RDC George Abdul—both eyeing the Erute South seat currently held by UPC’s Jonathan Odur.
Meanwhile, in Otuke District, two people, Josephine Akello (a local councilor) and JB Econgo, were arrested for alleged voter bribery on behalf of Woman MP Susan Abeja.
The NRM Electoral Commission continues to compile final results. The party is expected to resolve disputes and release an official report within the coming days. Stay with TheNewzZone for real-time election updates, verified results, and constituency-level analysis.