For the past two decades, no opposition parliamentary candidate has won an electoral seat in Kamuli and Buyende districts, highlighting the NRM’s strong and enduring control in the area.
The party has consistently swept parliamentary elections, leaving the opposition with minimal influence. In the 2026 elections, NRM flag bearers once again secured all parliamentary seats in Kamuli and Buyende.
Central to this success was First Deputy Prime Minister Rebecca Kadaga, who served as the de facto commander-in-chief of the campaign, mobilising voters through radio talkshows, public engagements, and grassroots outreach.
She emphasised party discipline, loyalty, and commitment above personal interests, while championing major development projects such as upgrading Kimaka to an international airport and founding the Namasagali Marine and Nuclear University.
“Let us stop dwelling on past disappointments and move forward, because we cannot stand alone when there is unfinished business that we must advance, defend, and secure,” Ms Kadaga urged, rallying her support.
In Buyende, Budiope East MP Moses Hashim Magogo was elected unopposed, as was his wife, Speaker of Parliament Anita Among in Bukedea District.
Ms Sarah Hassan Namulondo won the District Woman MP seat for Buyende, while Minister for Presidency Milly Babirye Babalanda defeated six male contenders to claim the Budiope West seat. In Kamuli, Kadaga herself secured her seventh term as Woman MP, defeating six younger contenders.
The constituencies of Buzaaya and Bugabula North were retained by incumbents Martin Muzaale and John Teira, both NRM candidates, while Mastula Namatovu won Kamuli Municipality, and Matthew Bazanya claimed victory in Bugabula South.
The Coordinator of Busoga District NRM Chairpersons, Abubaker Walubi, attributed the party’s success to the fact that the districts remain largely rural, while the government has actively addressed key challenges, including education, healthcare, infrastructure, and security.
“People in the villages care about having schools for their children, health facilities to treat them, markets to sell their produce, good roads, and security. A villager doesn’t ask for much else. That is why NRM continues to win here, and why voters remain loyal to NRM candidates,” Mr Walubi explained.
Opposition figures acknowledged the weak presence in Greater Kamuli.
“The opposition only emerges during elections and will continue living in the shadows of the ruling party as long as Kadaga maintains her grassroots base, nurtures voters, and delivers on their critical needs,” said Gonza Bukenya, FDC Electoral Commissioner for Kamuli.
The NUP Busoga Regional Coordinator, Mr Moses Bizitu, said the party fielded candidates in both Kamuli and Buyende, but some were disqualified after being offered money, weakening the opposition’s chances in the districts.
‘We had a candidate in Budiope West in Buyende, but our candidate was sidelined, and Mr Moses Magogo went unopposed,’ he said.