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Caroline Namara
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Political Desk
Bushenyi
The race for the Bushenyi District Woman Member of Parliament seat has taken a new twist following the entry of BFM Radio presenter Carol Namara, popularly known as Enyonyozi ya Bushenyi. Namara has declared her intention to contest as an independent candidate ahead of the 2026 general elections.
Her announcement adds to a growing list of contenders, including Vianah Kemigisha, alias Nyamunyonyi, who is also eyeing the seat after losing to the incumbent, Annet Katusiime Mugisha, in the NRM party primaries.
Hon. Mugisha, determined to defend her seat, has already launched her manifesto and is actively traversing the district to rally support for a second term in Parliament.
Namara’s priorities: Listening and delivering
Speaking to journalists during a recent interview at Peak Hotel in Bushenyi Town, Namara outlined her key priorities if elected. She pledged to be a leader who listens and delivers, promising to tackle chronic drug shortages in health facilities, promote household income generation, initiate village-level dialogues to improve community well-being, and champion human rights. "I want to be a leader who listens, who walks with the people, and who addresses the real issues affecting homes and communities," she said.
Namara brings a wealth of experience to the political arena. She previously served as Head of Programs at the Western Ankole Civil Society Forum (WACSOF) and is widely known for hosting the popular "Entwaaza Yeeka" show on BFM Radio. She also serves on the board of Butuuro Financial Services, a position she has held for over three years — an experience she says has given her valuable insight into grassroots financial empowerment and rural economic challenges.
Inspiration from a colleague’s victory
Namara’s decision to contest comes shortly after the landslide victory of her former colleague, Twebaze Prosper, BFM’s Programs Manager, who recently unseated long-serving Bushenyi LCV Chairperson Jaffari Basajjabalaba with a commanding 87% of the vote.
Twebaze’s successful transition from radio to politics has not only energized the district but also served as a major inspiration for Namara’s political ambitions. “As journalists, we have always been close to the communities, listening to their struggles and amplifying their voices. Now is the time to act and be part of the solution,” Namara added.
With her media influence, civil society background, and growing grassroots support, Namara’s entry into the race is already reshaping the political landscape ahead of the 2026 elections. The Bushenyi Woman MP race is now shaping up to be one of the most closely watched contests in the district.
NRM primaries still in dispute
Meanwhile, the NRM party primaries saw incumbent Annet Katusiime Mugisha retain the Woman MP flag with approximately 49,604 votes (60.6%), narrowly defeating Vianah Kemigisha, who garnered about 32,279 votes (39.4%). However, the race remains unresolved as both aspirants have filed petitions with the NRM Elections Disputes Tribunal, which was established by party leadership to address complaints arising from the primaries. The tribunal, chaired by John Musiime and composed of 29 legal professionals divided into eight panels, began hearings on July 29, 2025, and is mandated to resolve over 381 petitions from parliamentary aspirants by September 1. The tribunal is investigating allegations of vote rigging, multiple voting, and the use of ineligible voters. Its rulings will be crucial in determining the final NRM flag bearer for Bushenyi District in the upcoming elections.
Torch Media Africa
