In a sweeping political shift across the Busoga sub-region, voters within the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) have overwhelmingly opted for change, voting out nearly 75% of the incumbent district chairpersons in favor of fresh faces. The recently concluded NRM internal elections have ushered in a new wave of leaders taking over key party positions across the region’s districts.
Among those newly elected are Moses Batwala for Jinja District, Edwrin Lufafa for Jinja City, Solomon Silwanyi in Bugiri, Bazanya Matthew in Kamuli, Hashim Moses Magogo in Buyende, Nkuutu Shaban in Bugweri, and Kisa Stephen in Luuka. Only a handful of incumbents—Hajji Walubi Abubakari (Iganga), Aggrey Bagiire (Mayuge), Raymond Mukisa (Namayingo), and Gagawala Wambuzi Nelson (Kaliro)—survived the political purge. Even in Namutumba where Elections were canceled, a new person had already swept the old guards.
The dramatic leadership overhaul has sparked widespread discussion both within party ranks and among the public. Why did Busoga voters decisively reject so many long-serving NRM leaders?
Several factors explain this political earthquake:
1. Demand for Accountability and Service Delivery
For years, residents of Busoga have voiced growing discontent over inadequate service delivery, high unemployment, and the sluggish pace of development. Many outgoing leaders were seen as detached from grassroots realities and unresponsive to community needs. Their perceived failure to deliver tangible results fueled an appetite for fresh leadership.
2. Infighting and Factionalism Within the NRM
Internal wrangles were perhaps the most defining force behind the political shake-up. In several districts, the elections were marred by factional clashes. Candidates not aligned with certain influential camps were harassed, sidelined, or even ejected from polling stations. In Kamuli, for instance, numerous delegates alleged that their names were mysteriously removed from the voter register simply because they were viewed as opponents of the dominant camp. This deepened divisions and alienated grassroots supporters, many of whom turned against incumbent leaders associated with such manipulations.
3. Rise of Youthful and Energetic Leaders
A notable feature of the new leadership is its youthful composition. Figures like Hashim Moses Magogo (also FUFA president) and Kisa Stephen have captivated the public with their energetic style, frequent grassroots engagement, and modern leadership approaches. Their candidacies galvanized young voters and breathed new life into the party’s image in the region.
4. Strategic Repositioning Ahead of 2026
With the 2026 general elections on the horizon, NRM supporters may have seen the internal elections as a chance to strategically clean house. By installing new leadership, the hope is to restore public confidence, revamp mobilization structures, and ensure the party remains competitive in upcoming national polls.
5. Growing Political Awareness
The political landscape in Busoga has matured. Voters are increasingly discerning and no longer rely on party loyalty alone. Leaders are now judged on performance, presence, and accessibility. The defeat of entrenched leaders signals a growing demand for transparency and proactive engagement.
Conclusion
The NRM elections in Busoga mark a turning point. The mass rejection of long-serving leaders sends a clear message: voters are no longer willing to tolerate underperformance, internal manipulation, or detachment from the grassroots. As the new leaders assume office, the spotlight is firmly on them to restore unity, deliver on promises, and steer the region toward transformation. Whether they succeed or fall into the same traps remains to be seen—but the people of Busoga have spoken, and they expect results.
