The 2026 NRM primaries have shaken Uganda’s political scene. Held on 17th, these elections saw a surprising number of big names lose their seats, including more than ten cabinet ministers and many long-serving Members of Parliament. This unexpected outcome has left many wondering what went wrong for the ruling party’s political heavyweights.
Among the most notable casualties were prominent ministers such as Persis Namuganza, David Bahati, Musa Ecweru, Jennifer Namuyangu, and Peace Mutuuzo. These are names that have long been associated with power in Uganda’s government. Their losses are not just surprising—they mark a major shift in the political landscape. Other ministers like Victoria Rusoke Businge, Fredrick Ngobi Gume, and Joyce Moriku Kaducu also lost their bids, making this one of the biggest ministerial shake-ups in recent NRM history.
Long-time MPs didn’t fare any better. Theodore Ssekikubo, who had represented Lwemiyaga for more than 20 years, was defeated by Brigadier General Emmanuel Rwashande. In Kisoro, incumbents like Dr. James Nsababuturo and Eddie Kwizera also lost their seats to lesser-known challengers, proving that experience and name recognition were not enough this time.
The primaries didn’t go smoothly in many areas. In Kampala, tensions flared as supporters demanded fairness and transparency. In Northern Uganda, voters reported missing names on the registers, delays, and even arrests. Some candidates claimed the process was unfair, pointing to bribery, intimidation, and interference by security forces. Ritah Namuwenge, an aspirant in Mbale, said her supporters were bribed and her agents threatened. Ssekikubo accused the army of interfering in the process, alleging abductions and use of forged voter registers.
Several losing candidates have refused to accept the results quietly. Both Ssekikubo and Nsababuturo have announced plans to challenge the outcomes. The NRM Elections Tribunal is already receiving petitions, with deadlines for complaints set around July 21. The next few days will be crucial as the party investigates these claims.
For President Yoweri Museveni, these results present a difficult situation. Should he reappoint the ousted ministers as ex-officio members of his cabinet, or allow them to contest in the general elections as independents? Either decision could create deeper cracks within the party. Analysts warn that if many disgruntled members choose to run independently, the NRM risks serious fragmentation ahead of the 2026 general elections.
Opposition parties have wasted no time criticizing the NRM. David Rubongoya of the National Unity Platform (NUP) described the party as violent and intolerant, saying the chaos in the primaries shows that the NRM lacks internal democracy.
In response, NRM leaders have urged those who lost not to run as independents but to use legal means to resolve their grievances. Whether that call for unity will hold remains to be seen. As Uganda moves closer to the 2026 elections, it’s clear that the ruling party must work hard to heal divisions and rebuild trust among its members and supporters.
