NRM Primaries Shake Western Uganda: Voters Reject Majority of Incumbent LCV Chairpersons

By our reporter

The National Resistance Movement (NRM) primaries in Western Uganda have delivered a political earthquake, with voters decisively voting out several incumbent district LCV Chairpersons, signaling widespread demand for change at the local government level.

In Toro sub-region, the defeat of incumbents was particularly brutal. In Kyegegwa District, former LCV Chairperson Hon. Norman Birungi made a political comeback, unseating Hon. John Kisoke, the current office holder. Birungi’s return marks a significant reversal in local politics.

Meanwhile, in Kitagwenda District, the results were nothing short of a political landslide. Former Ntara District Woman Councilor Kenyonyozi Efrance delivered a crushing blow to incumbent Mushemeza Ismail, garnering a staggering 74% (25,637 votes) of the total, compared to Ismail’s 18% (6,234 votes). The result confirms Kenyonyozi’s popularity and grassroots strength in the district.

In Hoima, a battle of political legacy ended with Brian Makanika Muhumuza Savanna winning the NRM flag after polling 18,120 votes against incumbent Uthman Mugisa who polled 14,914 votes. Mugisa 30 succeeded his late father Kirungi Kadiri who died in the middle of his term but was unable to maintain the grip on the seat.

Muhumuza Savanna left & Mugisha Uthman on the right 

A political upset in Bushenyi District saw journalist Prosper Twebaze dethrone political heavyweight Jafari Basajjabalaba with a thumping 66,101 votes against Basajjabalaba’s 10,597 votes, marking one of the most symbolic defeats in the primaries. Jafari is also a brother to tycoon Hassan Basajjabalaba. However the two do not see eye to eye which many attribute his defeat to the duos disagreement.

Prosper on the left & Jafari on the right

In Rubirizi District, Dr Agaba Obed emerged victorious in a tight race against incumbent Agubanshongorera Sylvester and former MP Tindamanyire Gaudioso. Obed secured 10,038 votes, narrowly defeating Sylvester who got 9,650 and Gaudioso with 8,412. In Mitooma long time serving LCV Chairperson Benon Karyeija was defeated by Karitundu Alex

Another major upset came in Kabale District, where Nzeirwe Denis unseated incumbent Nelson Nshangabasheija, polling 43,667 votes against Nelson’s 33,860.

Nshangabasheija Nelson on the right & Ndyomugenyi Denis on the left

In Mbarara District, Twongirwe Hygine stunned incumbent Didas Tabaro, with Kururagire (Hygine) taking 60.1% of the vote compared to Tabaro’s 39.9%, consolidating a growing trend of incumbent fatigue among voters.

The wave of change reached Kanungu District, where Rev. Tibesigwa Jastus defeated NRM District Chairperson Caleb Kipande. The outgoing LCV Chair, Eng. Sam Kajojo, had opted to run for Parliament but was unsuccessful in his bid for Kinkizi East.

Caleb Kipande in blue court & Jastus Tibesigwa on the left

In other districts, however, some incumbents held on. In Kamwenge, Karungi Joseph retained his seat after fending off competition from journalists Mubangyizi Yunicent and Katemburura Robert. Similarly, in Ibanda, Happy Mayanja defeated journalist Kapimpi John to retain his position. In Ntungamo, Sam Mucunguzi survived the anti-incumbent wave, winning against three challengers.

Meanwhile, in the urban political race for Mbarara City Mayor, incumbent Robert Mugabe Kakyebezi retained the NRM flag with 18,800 votes (41%), defeating Seth Murari who secured 12,926 votes (28.2%). Also Brian Kaboyo retained his seat as Mayor Hoima City after garnering 8143 votes against his main contender Isingoma Edward who got 5392 votes

The primaries reveal a strong anti-incumbent sentiment across Western Uganda, especially in districts like Bushenyi, Kitagwenda, Kabale, Mitooma , Kyegegwa, Rubirizi, Hoima and Mbarara. With such sweeping changes, the NRM faces a reshaped local leadership landscape heading into the 2026 general elections.