Namuganza, five other petitioners fail again in NRM polls

NAMUTUMBA - The State Minister for Housing and Urban Development, Persis Namuganza, has suffered another major political blow after losing the partial re-run of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) primary elections in Bukono Constituency, Namutumba district, an outcome that follows a tribunal-ordered fresh vote. 

Namuganza had petitioned the NRM Electoral Commission, claiming that voting did not occur in parts of Kibale Town Council and Kibale Sub-county during the earlier primaries. 

The NRM elections tribunal ruled in her favour and ordered fresh elections in 76 villages across the two areas, which was held on Monday. 

But despite securing a second chance, Namuganza failed to reverse the earlier results. 
She trailed in second place with 17,764 votes, losing to Emmanuel Maganda Kitoko, who was re-declared the party flag-bearer with 20,512 votes, a margin of 2,748 votes.

Other contenders included Paul Bajje Baite (1,593 votes); Siraji Gusongoirye (1,546), and Andrew Mpanga (541). 

The election was part of a broader series of tribunal-ordered re-runs in NRM constituencies following disputes that arose during the primaries on July 18, 2025.

Other districts 

In Buyende district, where elections were repeated in 56 villages for the District Woman MP flag, Sarah Namulondo got 86,580 votes. She was followed by Annet Mary Nakato (57,527 votes) and Robina Achom Kaima (24,991). 

In Ntungamo Municipality, re-runs in seven villages saw Yona Musinguzi reaffirmed as flag-bearer with 5,740 votes, ahead of Phillip Akankwasa (1,081), Michael Katureebe (791), Edward Beyendeza (427) and Eric Nuwagira (79).

In Namayingo South, Michael Wanyama Odwori maintained his lead with 8,672 votes. Willy Ouma followed closely with 8,468, while Moses Balasa secured 6,815 votes. 

Musa Omolly trailed with 1,270. Mathias Mwesigwa was declared the winner in Rubabo County after garnering 10,736 votes in elections held across six villages. 

His closest rival, Alex Rugonde, got 10,603, followed by David Tushabomwe Ndindirize (9,413); Doreen Busigye (7,714); Ernest Katara Ngabirano (4,421); Doreen Twebaze (1,190) and Justus Ibrahim Twinomujuni (104). 

In Kigulu South, Patrick Kayemba retained his position after a re-run in 14 villages. 
He polled 7,978 votes, followed by Kyafu Ntulume (7,527), A. Kyangha (7,125), Milton Muwuma (5,105) and Ian Waiswa (2,956).

Minister Persis Namuganza

Odoi barred  

In another development, the NRM elections tribunal nullified the victory of Collins Tanga, son of Dr. Tanga Odoi, as chairperson of the NRM Youth League, citing serious electoral irregularities and conflict of interest. 

The youth elections, held between August 26–27, were marred by controversy. 

Petitioners Brenda Kiconco, Wilson Otto, and Mackline Natukwasa challenged the results, alleging vote manipulation, unlawful exclusion of candidates, conflict of interest, and procedural breaches. 

The petitions were spearheaded by Counsel Emmanuel Ekima, who led the charge for petitioner Kiconco, backed by Sulaiman Mayanja and Phillip Aryatuha.

Kiconco, who was officially declared runner-up, claimed that although she garnered 1,355 votes and Collins only 1,167, an additional 400 votes were illegally added to Collins’ tally, giving him a final count of 1,567. 

She also questioned his age, citing the National Youth Council Act, which limits eligibility to individuals aged 18 to 30. She noted that Collins, 31, was ineligible under that law. 

However, both Collins and his father argued that the NRM Constitution defines “youth” as aged 18 to 35, a definition the tribunal ultimately did not rely upon. 

The tribunal, led by John Tumusiime, found the entire exercise compromised. 

“The unlawful exclusion of candidates, repeated postponements and conflict of interest, fatally tainted the process. Unlike other leagues, the Youth League only managed to elect one position before the election collapsed,” the ruling stated. 

The tribunal not only annulled the election but also barred Tanga Odoi from overseeing any part of the new process. 

Odoi accepts ruling 

Despite being sidelined, Odoi welcomed the tribunal’s decision, calling it “a fair ruling.” Addressing journalists at the tribunal registry, Kiconco, welcomed the party tribunal’s ruling, saying the electoral process had been unfair and youth voices ignored. 

“What the youths voted for was not what they got, we are happy with the ruling,” Kiconco said. 

Maganda, who won the NRM flag for Bukono County, thanked Namutumba voters for re-electing him, calling it a collective victory. 

“When they ordered fresh polls in these 30 villages in Kibale town council, I knew that this was an opportunity to prove myself once again,” he noted. 

Attempts to get a comment from Namuganza were unsuccessful, as her known contacts were unreachable.

Additional reporting by Tom Gwebayanga and Charles Okalebo