By Weswa Ronnie
NATIONAL
The National Resistance Movement has reestablished its dominance in the Buganda region, securing 55 parliamentary seats compared to 41 for the National Unity Platform, according to data from the recently concluded general elections.
The results mark a significant shift from the 2021 elections, where the NUP swept the central region. This year, the NRM secured three out of 10 seats in Kampala, a notable increase from the single seat it held following the previous election cycle.
Emmanuel Dombo, the NRM director of communications, attributed the gains to a shift in voter priorities toward economic issues. He said voters were tired of empty political talk and wanted money in their pockets. Dombo added that the NRM message of clean cities and improved services resonated with the electorate in Kampala and surrounding districts.
Analysts and observers pointed to several factors for the NUP decline in its former stronghold. Dr. Gerald Walulya, a lecturer at Makerere University, said the NRM learned from its 2021 mistakes and invested heavily in mobilization and government programs like the Parish Development Model.
Internal friction within the opposition also played a role. Prof. Andrew Marcel noted that internal wrangles and acrimony between NUP and other opposition parties caused irreversible damage. He said while NUP President Robert Kyagulanyi remains a powerful figure, the party failed to build the necessary institutional structures.
The election saw the defeat of several high-profile opposition figures, including Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda, Muwanga Kivumbi, and Jonathan Odur. Experts described the exit of these veteran legislators as a blow to the quality of debate in the 12th Parliament.
Abdallah Kiwanuka, Mukono North, Abubaker Kawalya-Lubaga North, Ali Kasirye Nganda Mulyanyama-Makindye East, Betty Ethel Naluyima-Wakiso Woman MP, Betty Nambooze-Mukono Municipality, Blasio Mukasa Zambaali-Nansana Municipality, Brendah Nabukenya-Luweero WomanMP, Charles Tebandeke- Bbaale, David Lukyamuzi Kalwanga-Busujju, David Sserukenya-Makindye Ssaabagabo, Denes Ssekabira-Katikamu North, Erias Nalukoola- Kawempe North, Eugenia Nassolo-Lubaga South, Fortunate Nantongo-Kyotera Woman MP, Francis Zaake-Mityana Mun, George Musisi-Kira Municipality, Godfrey Saazi-Gomba East.
Hakim Kizza Sawula-Bukoto South, Harriet Nakweede-Kayunga, Hassan Kirumira-Katikamu South, Hellen Nakimuli-Kalangala Woman, Ivan Kyeyune-Nakasongola County, Jimmy Kanaabi-Buikwe, Joan Namutaawe-Masaka Woman MP, Joel Ssenyonyi-Nakawa West, Joseph Sewungu-Kalungu West and Lubowa Ssebina Gyaviira-Nyendo-Mukungwe.
Others are; Moses Lukanga Musanje-Njeru Municipality, Muwada Nkunyingi-Kyadondo East, Patrick Kuteesa-Kimanya-Kabonera, Patrick Nsamba Oshabe-Kassanda North, Robert Maseruka-Mukono South, Robert Ssekitooleko-Baamunanika, Rose Nalubowa- Masaka City, Shamim Malende-Kampala Woman MP, Sheilah Amaniyo-Mukono Woman MP, Sulaiman Kiwanuka-Nakifuma County, Sumayah Nabawanuka-Mubende Municipality, Teddy Nambooze-Mpigi Woman MP, Yusuf Kiruluuta Nkerettanyi-Kalungu East, and Zaharah Luyirika-Makindye West.
