Kagadi MPs Defy NRM After Losing Primaries, Set to Contest as Independents in 2026 Elections

24 October 2025, 12:45 pm

By James Muhumuza

A political storm is brewing in Kagadi as all incumbent Members of Parliament who lost in the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) primaries have defied the party line and declared their intention to run as independent candidates in the 2026 general elections.

The incumbents include Janepher Kyomuhendo Mbabazi, the Kagadi District Woman MP; Eric Musana, MP for Buyaga East; and Barnabas Tinkasiimire, MP for Buyaga West Constituency.

In the Woman MP race, Janepher Kyomuhendo Mbabazi who lost the NRM flag to Naziwa Margret Rujumba was nominated on Wednesday as an independent candidate, alongside another aspirant, Nahwera Prossy.

Speaking after her nomination, Mbabazi appealed to voters to grant her another term to complete the development projects she initiated during her tenure.

NRM flag bearer Naziwa Margret Rujumba, on her part, promised to focus on improving service delivery in partnership with government departments.

In Buyaga East, incumbent Eric Musana, who lost the NRM flag to Twesige Stephen Rulekere, was also nominated as an independent candidate.

Musana said his goal is to consolidate the gains made during his previous terms.

Rulekere, the official NRM candidate, pledged to prioritize youth empowerment and address the challenges facing boda-boda riders.

Meanwhile, in Buyaga West, incumbent Barnabas Tinkasiimire after losing the NRM primaries to Denis Namara was similarly nominated as an independent candidate.

Tinkasiimire vowed to continue offering effective representation to his constituents.

However, Denis Namara the NRM flag bearer for Buyaga West, called for unity among party supporters, urging them to back NRM candidates “from top to bottom.”

The District Election Officer, Ataho Macy, urged all aspirants to strictly adhere to the electoral guidelines and timelines.

With several incumbents defying the party and contesting as independents, Kagadi District is shaping up for a highly competitive and politically charged race in the run-up to the 2026 general elections.