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Senior presidential advisor professor Ephraim addressing his supporters in Rwamunena Shuuku Town
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By Our Reporter
The winds of political change swept through Greater Bushenyi as several incumbent Members of Parliament lost their NRM party flags in the hotly contested primary elections held on Thursday. The results have set the stage for a dramatic shake-up ahead of the 2026 general elections, with political heavyweights falling to newcomers and former legislators.
Sheema District
In a major upset, Sheema District Woman MP Rosemary Nyakikongoro was overwhelmingly defeated by Adrine Katusiime Mwebesa, who polled 48,915 votes, while Nyakikongoro managed only 19,628. Katusiime pledged to work closely with other leaders to spur development in the district. In Sheema South, Senior Presidential Advisor on Manifesto Implementation, Prof. Ephraim Kamuntu, defeated incumbent Prof. Elijah Dickens Mushemeza and two other contenders to retain the party flag. Kamuntu garnered 16,442 votes, while Mushemeza received 11,616. Speaking after his declaration, Kamuntu condemned the commercialization of politics.
Professor Ephraim Kamuntu defeated Professor Mushemeza to retain his party flag
In Sheema North, former Minister for Science, Technology, and Innovation Dr. Elioda Tumwesigye reclaimed the party flag by defeating incumbent Naome Kibaaju, who came third. Tumwesigye secured 13,369 votes (57.45%), while Pison Kanyesigye Nkuruho came second with 5,604 votes (24.08%). Kibaaju managed only 3,282 votes (14.10%). Other candidates included Agaba Michael Kasheka with 586 votes, Ngabirano Stephen with 385, and Nalwanga Kiconco with 46 votes. Elioda, who previously represented Sheema Municipality (2018–2021), lost that seat to Dicksons Kateshumbwa in the 2021 general elections. He now returns as the NRM flag bearer for Sheema North.
Bushenyi District
In Bushenyi-Ishaka Municipality, businessman and politician Hajj Iddi Basajjabalaba won the NRM flag after defeating three other candidates. He polled 13,765 votes (73%), while his closest rival, Marvin Baryaruha, garnered 4,519 votes (24%). Nicholas Muhereza Ndyakira received 458 votes (2.4%), and David Kamukama got 34 votes (0.18%). The results were officially declared by Archangel Barekye, the Bushenyi District NRM Registrar.
In a dramatic turn, Bushenyi District Woman MP Annet Katusiime Mugisha narrowly survived defeat in a tightly contested race against Kemigisha Vianah, who polled over 30,000 votes. Mugisha managed to retain the party flag by a slim margin. Hajj Iddi is the son of prominent businessman Alhajj Hassan Basajjabalaba.
Buhweju District
In the Woman MP race, Olive Koyekyenga Katwesigye lost her NRM flag to Namara Oyes Byamukama, who secured a commanding 30,866 votes, compared to Koyekyenga's 12,956. In Buhweju West Constituency, Eng. Kariisa Johnbosco defeated the incumbent Ephraim Biraro to win the NRM party flag, adding to the tally of sitting MPs who lost their grip on the party ticket.
Rubirizi District
In the Woman MP race, Grace Kesande Bataringaya lost her NRM flag to Jenivah Arinaitwe, who polled 27,653 votes. In Katerera Constituency, Muhammad Katooto narrowly retained his flag, polling 9,277 votes against his brother and closest rival, Hatwib Katooto, who garnered 8,735 votes. However, in Bunyaruguru County, incumbent MP John Twesigye Nyamuhira lost his flag to Cadet Benjamin, who secured 18,020 votes.
Mitooma District
In another notable upset, incumbent Woman MP Agasha Juliet Bashisha was defeated by Rebecca Kyarampe, who polled 39,078 votes, while Bashisha managed 22,159. In Ruhinda South, incumbent Capt. Dononzio Kahonda Mugabe was also ousted by Arthur Kazoora, adding to the growing list of high-profile casualties.
Sheema Municipality
In Sheema Municipality, incumbent MP Dicksons Kateshumbwa retained the NRM party flag after a hotly contested race against Joseph Mukasa. Despite stiff competition, Kateshumbwa emerged victorious and is now set to defend his seat in the 2026 general elections.
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