Mbarara's Kakyebezi rallies rivals after NRM flag victory
Kakyebezi, addressing supporters, hailed the NRM for organising a “free and fair” election and urged unity ahead of the 2026 general elections.
Kakyebezi said he was committed to leveraging the NRM’s platform to address urban development, healthcare and youth employment. (Credit: Abdulkarim Ssengendo)
By Abdulkarim Ssengendo
Journalists @New Vision
Hygiene Kururagire, Mbarara LC5 district NRM flag bearer. (Credit: Abdulkarim Ssengendo)
MBARARA - Incumbent Mbarara city mayor Robert Kakyebezi Mugabe has secured the National Resistance Movement (NRM) flag for the mayoral race, winning 18,800 votes (41%) in a seven-candidate contest.
His closest rival, Seth Murari, garnered 12,926 votes (28.2%), while the remaining candidates collectively trailed with fewer than 10% each.
Acting Returning Officer Patrick Kawesi declared the results at 1:30 AM, praising the peaceful conduct of voters and security teams.
Kakyebezi, addressing supporters, hailed the NRM for organising a “free and fair” election and urged unity ahead of the 2026 general elections.
“I call on all my competitors to join hands with me. Our shared goal is to secure victory for the NRM and President Museveni,” he said. He also thanked security agencies for maintaining order during the primaries, which saw a turnout of 45,813 voters.
Broader NRM primary outcomes
The NRM primaries across southwestern Uganda saw several notable victories:
Ntungamo district: Mucunguzi Sam defeated John Kabeho with 48,156 votes (55.6%).
Mbarara district: Hygiene Kururagire Twongirwe unseated incumbent Didad Tabaro Tumwesigye, winning 25,291 votes (60.1%).
Bushenyi Municipality: Journalist Prosper Twebaze claimed a landslide victory with 66,101 votes (86%), ousting incumbent Jafar Basajjabalaba.
Sheema municipality: Nakalisa Lukia triumphed over three male rivals, securing 9,507 votes (41.36%).
Calls for unity and strategic focus
NRM leaders emphasised reconciliation post-primaries. Mbarara city NRM chairperson Wilson Tumwine urged supporters to “bury differences” and rally behind Kakyebezi. Deputy RCC Robert Kanusu echoed this, stressing the need for collective support to “secure an overwhelming victory” in 2026.
Kakyebezi said he was committed to leveraging the NRM’s platform to address urban development, healthcare and youth employment.
“This flag is not mine alone—it belongs to every NRM supporter in Mbarara,” he said, signalling a focus on inclusive governance.
Significance of the primaries
The primaries highlighted both internal party competition and the NRM’s dominance in key regions. With candidates like Kakyebezi and Twebaze securing decisive mandates, the results reflect voter demand for proven leadership and accountability.
However, challenges persist, including low turnout in some areas and allegations of irregularities, which the NRM must address to maintain credibility.