By Aggrey Baba
As the dust settles on the Nation NRM primaries across Kampala and neighbouring districts, a mix of youthful political aspirants and seasoned veterans has emerged victorious, setting the stage for fierce battles in the 2026 general elections.
In Kawempe North, Faridah Nambi, daughter to National Vice Chairperson of the party Hajji Moses Kigongo, secured the NRM ticket in a heated race against Hanifa Karadi.
Her victory is seen as a potential comeback bid for the NRM in an Opposition-dominated constituency that has eluded the ruling party for two decades.
Her campaign, powered by grassroots mobilization and name recognition, now shifts gears to face off with Erias Nalukoola of National Unity Platform, to whom she lost in the recent by-election.
In Nakawa West, another fresh entrant, Herbert Anderson Burora, the former deputy RCC for Lubaga cruised past a host of political heavyweights including Margaret Zziwa, former East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) Speaker, and flamboyant businessman Mukesh Shukla.
Burora’s victory has energized younger voters and party loyalists who see him as part of a new generation within the NRM willing to challenge entrenched Opposition figures like Joel Ssenyonyi, the incumbent MP and NUP Spokesperson.
In his words, Burora described the achievement as not just a win for himself, but for Nakawa West residents who want a practical leader with solutions.
In Rubaga South, another young lawyer, Musa Mbaziira, edged out Derrick Lufunya, with the latter conceding defeat gracefully, a rare gesture in a contest otherwise marred elsewhere by bitter complaints of irregularities.
Meanwhile, some veterans are plotting major comebacks. In Nakawa East, former Attorney General Frederick Ruhindi reclaimed the NRM flag, setting up what could be a nostalgic political rerun in a constituency he once represented.
In Mawokota, Mpigi district, former Minister Amelia Kyambadde was left unopposed after her main challenger, Sam Akol, withdrew from the race moments before voting, alleging intimidation and bias.
Across other Kampala constituencies, both familiar names and newcomers sailed through. In Rubaga North, Singh Parminder Katongole emerged as flagbearer, while in Kawempe South, Madinah Nsereko carried the day.
Despite the excitement around new political blood, the primaries were also dogged by challenges. In several polling stations, especially in Kawempe and Kayunga, voters complained about missing names, delayed registers and open voting which discouraged participation.
At some polling centres, security had to be heightened to prevent chaos.
Still, the NRM’s internal process has now defined its battleground contenders, with some seeking to unseat NUP incumbents in Kampala’s politically volatile environment, while others look to consolidate party dominance in rural and peri-urban areas.
As party supporters shift focus to the 2026 general elections, the question remains: Can these new NRM faces shake the Opposition’s hold on the country’s urban vote.
