The National Resistance Movement (NRM) Electoral Commission has officially dismissed allegations circulating on social media and in political circles that the election for the Namutumba District NRM Chairperson seat would be repeated.
Dr. Tanga Odoi, Chairperson of the NRM Electoral Commission, clarified that the election held on Friday, May 23, was conducted peacefully and in accordance with party guidelines, and the results remain valid.
“We have not canceled or ordered a rerun of the Namutumba chairperson race. The process was free of violence and irregularities,” Dr. Odoi confirmed. “Only two positions—Vice Chairperson and Secretary for Publicity—were not filled and will be concluded in a supplementary election on Tuesday, May 27, 2025.”
The clarification follows a wave of misinformation and speculation that emerged after Assistant RDC Simon Menya defeated incumbent Woman MP Hon. Mariam Naigaga in a highly charged contest.
Background to the Disputed Election
In one of the most closely watched NRM internal races in the Busoga sub-region, Assistant RDC Simon Menya won the Namutumba District NRM Chairperson seat with 480 votes, defeating Hon. Naigaga in a contest marked by strong voter turnout and intense mobilization.
Eyewitnesses reported that Hon. Naigaga left the polling venue before voting concluded, allegedly after sensing a loss of support among delegates. She did not cast her own vote.
Following the announcement of Menya’s victory, social media was flooded with claims suggesting that the election had been nullified or that a rerun was imminent—a claim the NRM leadership has now firmly denied.
Mr. Magobi Bovani William, the NRM District Registrar for Namutumba, also backed Dr. Odoi’s statement, saying official communication from the Commission confirmed the election’s legitimacy.
“When Hon. Naigaga demanded clarification, I showed her the directive from our official registrar platform,” Magobi told us. “Unfortunately, she wasn’t convinced. But as officials, we go by the established party communication channels.”
Multiple efforts to reach Hon. Naigaga for comment were unsuccessful.
Post-Election Celebrations and Additional Appointments
The announcement of Menya’s victory sparked jubilant celebrations across Namutumba, with supporters lifting the newly elected chairperson in celebration of his win. In his victory speech, Menya thanked voters for their trust and pledged to serve the party and the district with commitment and integrity.
Other winners in the district elections included State Minister for Housing and Bukono County MP Hon. Princess Persis Namuganza, who was elected Secretary for Finance, and Nakisita Betty, an aspiring Woman MP, who was chosen as General Secretary.
Minister Namuganza commended the peaceful election process and praised party supporters for their maturity and resolve.
A Broader Shift in Busoga’s NRM Leadership
The Namutumba outcome is part of a larger political trend across the Busoga sub-region, where voters have overwhelmingly chosen new NRM leaders, replacing nearly 75% of the incumbent district chairpersons.
Notable winners include Edwrin Lufafa (Jinja City), Moses Batwala (Jinja District), Solomon Silwanyi (Bugiri), Hashim Moses Magogo (Buyende), Bazanya Ramathan (Kamuli), Stephen Kisa (Luuka), Hajj Walubi Abubakari (Iganga), Aggrey Bagiire (Mayuge), Raymond Mukisa (Namayingo), Nelson Gagawala Wambuzi (Kaliro), and the former Iganga LCV Chairperson, who was elected in Bugweri.
Political analysts have cited growing demands for accountability, rising youth influence, internal NRM power struggles, and strategic repositioning ahead of the 2026 general elections as key reasons for the dramatic leadership shakeup.
