By Aggrey Baba
A political tsunami has reportedly swept through Busoga, as provisional results from today’s NRM primaries show that a significant number of incumbent MPs have lost their party flag.
The heavy losses are widely linked to the growing tension between Speaker Anita Among and former Speaker Rebecca Kadaga, who is also the Woman Representative for Kamuli District, an internal power struggle that seems to have spilled over into the voting booths.
Although the Central Executive Committee (CEC) elections have not yet taken place and will only be held during an upcoming delegates conference, the recent nomination process already sparked sharp divisions. Most of the incumbent MPs from the region reportedly endorsed Speaker Among for the CEC 2nd National Vice Chairperson (female), a move that many voters allegedly interpreted as betrayal of Kadaga, a long-serving and respected daughter of the soil.
Among the bigwigs voted out in the primaries are Fredrick Ngobi Gume, the State Minister for Trade and MP for Bulamogi North West in Kaliro District, Fred Bwino Kyakulaga, State Minister for Agriculture and MP for Kigulu North in Iganga District, Esther Mbayo, former Minister for the Presidency and Luuka District Woman MP, and Mariam Naigaga, Woman MP for Namutumba District.
Others who have allegedly lost include Sauda Alibawo, Baroda Watongola of Kamuli Municipality, Namukuta Brenda of Kaliro District, Brandon Kintu of Kagoma North, Moses Walyomu of Kagoma South, Agnes Taaka of Bugiri District, Sanon Bwire of Bulamogi County, Nathan Igeme Nabeta of Jinja South, Kyoto Ibrahim of Budiope West, Racheal Magoola of Bugweri District and Milton Muwuma of Kigulu South.
The reported losses are largely seen as voter backlash toward those MPs who were viewed as having turned their backs on Kadaga. For many in Busoga, her legacy still commands deep respect, and the decision by most of the incumbents to openly back her rival is believed to have alienated them from their bases.
While the NRM Electoral Commission is yet to announce official results, early figures and local reports point to a sweeping anti-incumbent wave across Busoga. Observers say the outcome reflects rising frustration among voters over internal betrayal and loyalty politics within the ruling party.
With the CEC elections still to come, the primaries have offered a strong indication of where the public in Busoga stands. Loyalty to regional figures, especially one with Kadaga’s stature, remains a powerful currency in the region’s politics.
