Luuka, Uganda – May 25, 2025 – Annet Nabirye was Friday May 23, 2025 overwhelmingly elected as the new National Resistance Movement (NRM) Women’s League Chairperson for Luuka District, marking a significant political shift and further boosting her momentum ahead of the 2026 Woman Member of Parliament elections.
Nabirye’s decisive win follows a series of earlier victories, including a highly symbolic trouncing of former Woman MP and ex-Minister Esther Mbayo at the parish-level NRM women’s structures. Once a dominant figure in Luuka politics, Mbayo has been steadily losing ground as Nabirye galvanizes grassroots support across the district.
Notably, the attempt by NRM’s Electoral Commission Chairperson, Dr. Tanga Odoi, to tilt the playing field in favour of Mbayo during the Lambala village elections has backfired. Odoi reportedly blocked women below the age of 35 from participating in the elections, a move widely seen as undemocratic and strategically aimed at undermining Nabirye’s youthful support base. The decision sparked outrage among the youth-dominated electorate and only served to make Mbayo more unpopular.
“The public has responded with clear voices,” said a local observer. “In Luuka, the majority of voters are young women under 35, and sidelining them only strengthened Nabirye’s appeal as the candidate of the people.”
After her victory, Nabirye addressed jubilant supporters at the district NRM offices, pledging to promote inclusive leadership, youth empowerment, and women’s economic transformation.
“This is not just my win—it’s a win for every woman and young person in Luuka who believes in fair representation and development,” she declared.
Political analysts now see Nabirye as the clear frontrunner in the 2026 race for Luuka District Woman MP. Her consistent victories at the grassroots, her firm stand against political manipulation, and her resonance with the youth have set her apart as a rising political force.
Outgoing Women’s League Chairperson Jane Mukoda congratulated Nabirye and encouraged all NRM women to support her leadership.
With the tide now strongly in her favour, Annet Nabirye’s rise reflects a broader generational shift within Luuka’s NRM structures—one driven by grassroots participation, youthful energy, and the desire for genuine representation.
