The National Resistance Movement (NRM) has reaffirmed its political dominance in the Tooro, Rwenzori, and Bunyoro sub-regions following the mayoral and district chairperson elections held on Thursday.
The ruling party swept nearly all district leadership positions, winning 14 of the 17 Local Council Five (LC5) chairperson seats.
In the city mayoral races, independent candidates Rev. Kintu Willy Muhanga and Isingoma Edward emerged victorious in Fort Portal and Hoima cities, respectively. Muhanga polled 11,801 votes, narrowly defeating NRM’s Albert Ahebwa, while Edward won with 11,709 votes (53.75 per cent), defeating incumbent NRM mayor Brian Kaboyo.
Despite losing the city mayoral seats, NRM recorded victories at the district level, with most of its winners being incumbents who retained their seats.
The three districts won by independents, Kikuube, Hoima, and Masindi, were all taken by candidates who had previously lost NRM primaries and remain politically aligned with the ruling party.
“Kintu Willy Muhanga’s victory in Fort Portal City was narrow, but Isingoma Edward’s win in Hoima City was decisive,” said a local analyst.
In Hoima District, Uthuman Mugisa, an independent candidate, polled 25,347 votes, defeating NRM flag bearer Vincent Muhumuza Savana, who came second with 19,541 votes.
Uthuman’s victory marked the second time he has defeated Savana in a general contest.
NRM also registered key wins by new entrants, including in Kabarole District, where Kimome Ruben defeated independent challenger Wilfred Mugabe. Kimome polled 28,371 votes, while Mugabe garnered 14,955 votes.
In Bunyangabu District, NRM candidate Peter Musinguzi defeated incumbent chairperson James Ategeka, who contested as an independent. Musinguzi polled 26,077 votes, defeating Ategeka, who garnered 12,081 votes.
The elections also produced historic back-to-back victories in districts traditionally known for leadership turnover. Eliphaz Bukombi Muhindi retained the Kasese District chairperson seat, while Joseph Karungi secured a second term in Kamwenge District.
“NRM’s victory in these districts is a testament to the party’s strong grassroots presence and its ability to attract talented candidates,” said a local politician.
In Kitagwenda District, NRM’s Efrance Kenyonyozi was declared unopposed, further strengthening the party’s hold on district leadership across the sub-regions.
List of winners
Name
District
Political party
Rev Kintu Willy Muhanga
Fort Portal City
Independent
Mr Peter Musinguzi
Bunyangabu district
NRM
Mr Joseph Karungi
Kamwenge
NRM
Ms Efrance Kenyonyozi
Kitagwenda
NRM
Mr Gilbert Rubaihayo
Kyenjojo
NRM
Mr Kimome Ruben
Kabarole
NRM
Mr Etyen Muhumuza
Ntoroko
NRM
Mr Uthuman Mugisa
Hoima
Independent
Mr Edward Isingoma
Hoima city
Independent
Mr. Eliphaz Bukombi Muhindi
Kasese
NRM
Patrick Wobusobozi
Masindi
Independent
Mr Sentayi Joseph
Kakumiro
NRM
Mr Muhonge Godfrey
Kibaale
NRM
Mr Ndibwami B Yosia
Kagadi
NRM
Mr Noman Birungi
Kyegegwa
NRM
Mr Osaga Nelson
Kiryandongo
NRM
Mr Robert Tibakunirwa
Bundibugyo
NRM
Wandera Atuhaire
Buliisa
Independent
Peter Banura
Kikuube
NRM