By BM
There was high political drama at the ongoing National Resistance Movement (NRM) Delegates Conference held at Kololo Independence Grounds, as Jacqueline Mbabazi, wife to former Prime Minister John Patrick Amama Mbabazi was declared the NRM Elders League Chairperson for Western Uganda, marking a symbolic return of her husband’s hand to the ruling party’s leadership circles.
Jacqueline Mbabazi’s Victory Sparks Talk of Amama’s Comeback
In a development viewed as politically symbolic, Jacqueline Mbabazi was elected NRM Elders League Chairperson for Western Region, defeating incumbent Joram Ruranga Tibasiimwa, MP for Elderly Persons.
Political observers have interpreted Jacqueline’s return as a carefully calculated move one that may be paving the way for Amama Mbabazi’s re-entry into top NRM circles after nearly a decade of political exile.
Once a powerful figure in the party and a close confidant of President Yoweri Museveni, Mbabazi fell out with the NRM in 2015 after launching an independent presidential bid.
Jacqueline, a former Women’s League chairperson herself, is reportedly being positioned for an advisory role in the NRM Secretariat, focusing on youth mobilization and policy engagement ahead of the 2026 general elections
Drama in Women’s League Elections
The biggest upset of the day came in the hotly contested NRM Women’s League elections.
The incumbent national chairperson, Lydia Wanyoto, dramatically stepped down just moments before voting commenced.
At exactly 1:00 PM EAT, a politically cornered Wanyoto bowed out of the race and endorsed Faridah Kibowa, citing poor support from delegates.
“You have been there for so long. Ten years are enough. Let others also eat. What you have eaten is enough moreover, you have done nothing for us. Leave us alone. Go and rear your chicken,” some of the disgruntled women delegates reportedly told Wanyoto, forcing her withdrawal.
Despite the endorsement, Kibowa was soundly defeated by Adrine Kobusingye, a businesswoman from Bushenyi and owner of a hotel in Sseguku along Entebbe Road.
Kobusingye, known for her grassroots mobilization tactics, received 1,838 votes, while Kibowa managed 670 votes.
Other candidates trailed with marginal numbers: Sarah Ochenge Lanyero got 19 votes, and Rahema Nakalawa got 2.
Adrine Kobusingye Speaks Out
“I thank God for this massive win and also the women of Uganda for standing with me. As mothers of this nation, I pledge to ensure we all join the money economy, as the president advised,” Kobusingye said after her victory.
Her campaign received a boost after Ruth Kalungi withdrew in her favor during open campaigns.
Additionally, candidates Jovelyn Kalisa Kyomukama (Maama PDM) and Lydia Wanyoto (Big Sister) also stepped down at the last minute, throwing their weight behind Kibowa but Kobusingye triumphed regardless.
Other Key Winners in Special Interest Group Elections
The NRM Delegates Conference also produced notable winners across the various special interest groups:
Ofwono Opondo, former Executive Director of the Uganda Media Centre, won the Elders League seat for Eastern Region, defeating Minister Gidudu Mafabi.
James Kakooza, EALA MP, clinched the Elders League Central Region slot.
Penninah Busingye Kabingani (Maama Kisanja), former MP for Elderly Persons Central Region, was elected Chairperson of the National Elders League.
Peggy Joy Waako retained her seat as the National Female Elder Representative.
Jim Muhwezi, Security Minister, retained his position as Chairman of the Veterans League.
Shafiq Mwanje emerged victorious as Chairperson of the Persons with Disabilities League.
Museveni Orders Halt to Entrepreneurship Vote
In a surprising move, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, who also serves as NRM Chairperson, directed the NRM Electoral Commission to halt the election for the Chairperson of the Entrepreneurship League, citing the need for further investigations.
A New Chapter in NRM Politics?
The latest elections, especially with the emergence of new faces and return of old power players, signal a shift within the ruling party’s internal dynamics.
Long-serving members like Wanyoto have been shown the door, while political veterans such as Amama Mbabazi appear to be inching back into influence albeit through familial proxies.
Whether Jacqueline Mbabazi’s win will lead to Amama’s full return remains to be seen, but the message is clear: the NRM is undergoing a generational and strategic recalibration as it looks toward 2026. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
