Updated List!! Big Names That Lost And Won The NRM Primaries

The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party’s 2025 primary elections have produced dramatic wins and shocking losses across the country, as results continue to pour in from all corners of Uganda.

The primaries, held to determine flag bearers for the 2026 general elections, saw both veteran politicians and fresh contenders battling it out for supremacy within the party.

Big Names Who Triumphed

Among the major victors is Speaker of Parliament Anita Among, who sailed through unopposed to retain her Bukedea Woman MP flag. Vice President Jessica Alupo also comfortably secured the Katakwi Woman MP slot.

Former Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa emerged victorious in Ruhinda North, while seasoned finance guru Matia Kasaija held onto Buyanja County in Kibaale District. General Jim Muhwezi also retained his grip on Rujumbura County in Rukungiri District.

Other high-profile wins include:

Robinah Nabbanja – Kakumiro Woman MP
Frank Tumwebaze – Kibale East
Elioda Tumwesigye – Sheema North
Dicksons Kateshumbwa – Sheema Municipality
Moses Magogo – Budiope East
Dr. Charles Ayume – Koboko Municipality
Amelia Kyambadde – Mawokota North
Rebecca Kadaga – Kamuli Woman MP
Crispus Kiyonga – Bukonzo West
Mily Babalanda – Budiope West
Sarah Babirye Kityo – Bukoto East
Minister Judith Nabakooba – Mityana Woman MP
Also making headlines is Gen. Henry Tumukunde, who secured the party flag for Rukungiri Municipality, indicating a significant political comeback.

Rising Stars & New Faces

The primaries also ushered in a wave of new contenders and rising stars. Notably, Faridah Nambi, daughter of the late Al Hajji Nadduli, won in Kawempe North, while Anderson Burora, the outspoken RCC of Nakawa, took Nakawa East.

Daniel Kananura, a new face in Kampala politics, clinched the Kira Municipality seat, while Doreen Keita Kagabi secured the flag for Makindye West, showing a generational shift within urban constituencies.

Teso & Eastern Uganda Flag Bearers

The Teso sub-region confirmed a list of formidable candidates:

Christine Apolot – Kumi District Woman MP
Ochom Richard – Kumi Municipality
Okaasai Sidronius – Kumi County
Hellen Adoa – Serere Woman MP
John Bosco Ikojo – Bukedea County MP
Juliet Achayo Lodou – Ngora County
Jacqueline Amongin – Ngora Woman MP
Shocking Defeats

However, the primaries also claimed high-profile casualties. In one of the biggest upsets, Theodore Ssekikubo, a long-serving legislator for Lwemiyaga County, lost the NRM flag to Emmanuel Rwashande.

Other notable defeats include:

Esther Mbayo – Former Minister and Woman MP for Luuka
Nathan Igeme Nabeta – Jinja South East
Joyce Moriku Kaducu – Moyo District Woman MP
Twaha Kagabo – Bukoto South, Lwengo
Peter Lokeris – Minister for Minerals, lost Chekwii East
Winfred Bagaaya Akiiki – Fort Portal Woman MP
Charles Mwanguhya – Burahya County, Kabarole

Western Uganda Powerhouses Retain Control

The western belt remained an NRM fortress, with many incumbents holding onto their seats. Among the big names were:

Kahinda Otafiire – Ruhinda County
Arthur Kazoora – Ruhinda South
Chris Baryomunsi – Kinkizi East
David Bahati – Ndorwa West
Michael Mawanda – Igara East
Adrine Mwebesa – Sheema Woman MP
Annet Katusiime Mugisha – Bushenyi Woman MP
Counsel Cohen Kyampene – Igara West

With the party primaries concluded in most areas, attention now turns to the 2026 general elections. The NRM, buoyed by strong incumbency and strategic new faces, is seeking to maintain its dominance, though independent candidates and opposition forces are expected to mount stiff challenges in some constituencies.