Uganda’s ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) is celebrating a significant early victory after five of its parliamentary flag bearers secured their seats without any ballot competition. These uncontested confirmations came as the Electoral Commission (EC) closed nominations for next year’s parliamentary elections on Thursday.
Those proceeding to Parliament unopposed include some of the nation’s most influential political figures: Speaker of Parliament Anita Among (Bukedea Woman MP), Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa (Ruhinda North), Lillian Paparu Obiale (Arua District Woman MP), Catherine Akumu Mavenjina (Older Persons MP – Northern Uganda), and Ruth Rujoki Mushabe (Kiruhura District Woman MP).
NRM leaders have hailed the outcome as a clear early demonstration of their political strength ahead of the 2026 general elections. According to party officials, voters’ decision not to field challengers illustrates “public confidence and trust in NRM leadership.”
Opposition Raises Alarm
The National Unity Platform (NUP), however, has sharply contested the celebratory tone. The party accuses the Electoral Commission of colluding with the ruling NRM to sabotage credible competition, specifically citing events in Bukedea District, where Speaker Among secured her uncontested candidacy.
Tensions escalated after three earlier challengers for the Bukedea Woman MP seat were disqualified by the EC on grounds that they were not native to the district. NUP subsequently introduced Florence Asio as its replacement candidate, only for her to mysteriously disappear before nomination.
NUP President Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, took to social media late Thursday, stating that Asio and the team accompanying her vanished while traveling from Soroti to Bukedea.
“The whereabouts of our candidate for Bukedea Woman MP, Asio Florence, are currently unknown,” Bobi Wine wrote, adding that all phones belonging to Asio and her companions had been switched off. He said the party was urgently coordinating with worried family members who are “desperately searching for her.”
A Pattern Of Confrontation?
Reports from other districts also indicated tension-filled nomination processes. In Kachumbala County, security personnel allegedly attempted to block a NUP candidate from entering the EC offices. Observers say only an intense confrontation forced authorities to allow the nomination to proceed.
Opposition leaders have condemned what they describe as a systematic effort to eliminate political dissent before campaigns even begin.
Political analysts warn that the contrasting narratives NRM triumphalism on one hand, and NUP’s allegations of abductions and unfair disqualifications on the other could intensify already growing distrust in the upcoming electoral process.
As the country edges closer toward election season, Ugandan voters are watching closely to see whether the race ahead will be defined by democracy and fairness or by fear, manipulation, and uncontested power.
Author: Justinmind HARERIMANA
