New faces that have ejected incumbents

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Several long-serving Members of Parliament (MPs) have lost their seats in a wave of closely contested parliamentary races, as voters delivered surprises across the country in results released by the Electoral Commission (EC).

Candidates from the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) registered significant gains, defeating incumbents from opposition parties as well as independents, including former NRM members who contested after losing party primaries.

In a few constituencies, first-time candidates from the National Unity Platform (NUP) pulled unexpected victories against seasoned NRM incumbents.

Political analysts say the fierce competition reflects growing perceptions of Parliament as a highly lucrative institution.

Yet beyond party politics, voters appear to have been influenced by pressing socio-economic concerns. Surveys by New Vision indicate that access to health services, education, security, roads, water, and sanitation featured prominently in voter priorities, shaping choices at the ballot box.

Brig. Gen. Emmanuel Rwashande (NRM).

Some of the newcomers who have edged out incumbents include Brig. Gen. Emmanuel Rwashande (NRM), who defeated Theodore Ssekikubo in Lwemiyaga County, Eriasa Mukiibi Sserunjogi (independent), who defeated Muwanga Kivumbi in Butambala County and Dez Byuma (NRM), who defeated Gorreth Namugga (NUP) in Mawogola South.

Others who defeated incumbents include Ian Kyeyune (NUP), who defeated Noah Mutebi Wanzala in Nakasongola County, Bulasio Mukasa Zambali (NUP) in Nansana municipality, Patrick Kutesa (NUP), who defeated Dr Abed Bwanika in Kimaanya Kabonera and Gyaviira Lubowa Ssebina (NUP), who defeated Mathias Mpuuga in Nyendo Mukungwe.

In Mwenge Central, Methusela Kasukali (NRM) joined Parliament for the first time after getting 17,900 votes against Doreen Nyanjura of the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), who garnered 8,000 votes.

For Kayunga district Woman MP race, Harriet Nakweede of NUP defeated the incumbent, Idah Nantaba, who contested as an independent, while NUP’s George Musisi trounced incumbent Kira Municipality MP, Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda of PFF.

In the Woman MP race for Ngora district, NRM’s Josephine Pedun edged out the incumbent Stella Apolot Isodo of Forum for Democratic Change (FDC). Pedun polled 17,010 votes, while Apolot Isodo got 11,334.

HOIMA

In Hoima district, Dr Gerald Kasigwa (NRM) won the Kigorobya County parliamentary seat after polling 12,175 votes. He defeated incumbent David Karubanga, who ran as an independent and polled 8,793 votes.

For the Hoima District Woman MP seat, NRM’s Beatrice Wembabazi emerged victorious with 35,511 votes. Incumbent Harriet Businge Mugenyi followed with 14,725 votes, while independent candidate Suzan Asiimwe polled 5,579 votes.

KAPELEBYONG

In Kapelebyong district, Francis Akorikin, the incumbent LC5 chairperson, defeated Anthony Esenu to win the parliamentary seat with 14,670 votes. NUP’s Julius Ochen came second with 6,583 votes, followed by independent candidate Joseph Arocha with 3,218 votes.

Akorikin credited his victory to grassroots mobilisation and his role in addressing cattle rustling along the Kapelebyong — Karamoja border. He pledged to prioritise education and restore public confidence in leadership.

KAMULI

In Kamuli municipality, Mastula Namatovu (NRM) beat incumbent Baroda Kayanga Watongola (independent), while in Bugabula South, Matayo Bazanya (NRM) defeated Henry Kibalya (independent).

MBARARA

Loyda Kyarikunda Twinomujuni (NRM), a newcomer, was declared the winner for Mbarara district Woman MP seat after polling 31,364 votes. She was followed by Margaret Rwebyambu (independent incumbent) with 16,021 votes, Julia Desire Barugahare (independent) got 607 votes, and Hope Maurishia (independent) got 367 votes.

BUKEDI

In Kabweri County, Dr Patrick Wakida (NRM) emerged winner. Wakida is long-time critic of President Yoweri Museveni, and the constituents have challenged him to tackle poverty in the area.

MBALE CITY

For the Mbale City Woman MP seat, Lydia Wanyoto (NRM) has beaten her long-term opponent Connie Galiwango (Independent).

SOROTI CITY EAST

In Soroti City East: Moses Okia Attan reclaims victory, the seat was previously held by Herbert Edmund Ariko, who crossed over to contest in Gweri County.

OBONGI

For Obongi district Woman MP seat, the NRM flag bearer and incumbent Maneno Zumura lost to Harriet Joyo, an independent candidate with a difference of 2,613 votes. Joyo obtained 9403 while Maneno obtained 6790 votes.

MANAFWA

In Bubulo West, Chris Matembu (independent) was declared the winner with 1,799 votes. His closest challenger, Ronnie Walukhu (NRM) got 15, 307 votes.

ARUA

In Arua district, newcomer Charity Kevin Lenia (NRM) emerged victorious with 20,114 votes in Vurra County. She was followed by the former finance minister Gabriel Aridru Ajedra (independent) with 11,691 votes. Yovan Adriko (independent), the incumbent, received 2,898 votes.

WAKISO

In Busiro North, Moses Mayanja of the NRM emerged the winner, beating Ronald Ssemaganda of the NUP. In Entebbe municipality, newcomer Stephen Shaka (NRM) also defeated the incumbent, Kakembo Mbwatekamwa, of the DF.

KATAKWI

In Usuk County, Katakwi district, NRM flag-bearer Richard Ongorok narrowly defeated incumbent Bosco Okiror in a tightly contested race. Ongorok polled 7,873 votes against Okiror’s 7,623.

For Toroma County, Solomon Ossiya Alemu won the seat after his seventh attempt, securing a landslide victory. Ossiya polled 10,044 votes, defeating incumbent Joseph Andrew Koluo, who garnered 5,778 votes. Walter Elakas Okiring (independent) got 4,895 votes, John Robert Ekongot got 1,310 votes, Okello Stephen (independent) got 788 votes, Akiso Benjamin (NUP) got 88, Aporu Allan (independent) got 66, Eupet Julius (independent) 60, Ikwap Mark Paul (FDC) 59 votes, Okiror Ben Berenado (independent) got 54.

Reporting by John Odyek, David Opus, Simon Ongodia, Wilson Asiimwe, Alfred Atwau, Francis Ocen, Godfrey Ojore, Abdukarim Ssengendo, Leanard Mukooli, Dismus Buregyeya, Lawrence Okwakol, Job Nantakiika and Robert Adiga