Kapchorwa braces for NRM re-run after chaotic primaries

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As the National Resistance Movement (NRM) gets ready to hold a re-run of its parliamentary primaries in Kapchorwa, anticipation is growing among candidates and voters alike.

The elections, set for Thursday, July 31, 2025, come after the initial primaries were annulled following reports of disruptions and irregularities. Akram Kamonges, the former NRM district registrar, was arrested over the chaos and remains on remand.

Isaac Chepkurui has since replaced the embattled Kamonges.

The positions to be decided in the re-run include Kapchorwa Municipality, Tingye County, and the Kapchorwa woman member of parliament flag bearers.

In the earlier vote, Fadil Twalla (Tingye County) and Phylis Chemutai (Woman MP) were declared winners, while the Kapchorwa Municipality seat remained open following the retirement of water and environment minister Sam Cheptoris.

The municipality race now pits lawyer Patrick Kitiyo, who was previously declared the winner, against Martin Chemonges China, a strong contender.

In Tingye County, former MP Kenneth Soyekwo Obama is emerging as a serious challenger to Twalla.

In the Woman MP contest, Betty Cheptoek Kali, a former district councillor representing PWDs, is mounting a tough challenge against incumbent Chemutai.

Speaking to New Vision, NRM electoral commission chairperson Dr Tanga Odoi confirmed that the party is fully prepared to ensure the best-run election exercise in Kapchorwa.

"All is set for a peaceful, credible, and reliable primary election," Odoi affirmed.

"Anyone intending to disrupt the exercise will not be allowed near the polling stations," he warned.

Odoi further urged local authorities and party officials to play their roles responsibly and without bias, emphasising that the people’s choice must be respected.

"Let local leaders and NRM officials stand aside and let the people choose. That's how we build trust in our internal democracy," he added.

Commenting on the upcoming vote, political radio analyst Phiona Chemutai, popularly known as LP, commended the decision to hold a re-run.

"The re-run is a good idea because it gives us another opportunity to do things well and come up with the best candidates for the general elections," she said.

Voters are looking to Thursday’s re-run as a chance to reset and reaffirm their trust in Uganda’s ruling party’s democratic processes.

In most hotspots visited by New Vision, such as Sipi town council, Kasereme, Kapsinda and Kawowo, both tension and hope hang in the air as Kapchorwa heads to the polls once again.