NRM Primaries: Lukanga poised to face Malende in Kampala

17 July 2025, 6:52 pm

By Ronald Ssemagonja

Members of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) have today participated in one of the party’s most significant activities — lining up to elect official flag bearers for various positions ahead of the 2026 general elections.

In Kampala Central, early results show Amina Lukanga is on track to become the party’s flag bearer for the Kampala District Woman Member of Parliament seat. Lukanga, who has been battling Kenyangi Sophia and other contenders, has won strong support at several polling stations.

If confirmed, Lukanga will take on incumbent Shamim Malende of the National Unity Platform (NUP) in the general election.

Speaking after the lining-up exercise, Lukanga’s campaign chairman, Chef Abiora, thanked supporters for their massive turnout and trust in the candidate’s leadership.

“I am so grateful and happy that my candidate, Hon. Amina Lukanga, is winning almost everywhere,” Abiora told journalists. “She has served the people of Kampala in different capacities, and now is the time for them to give her the mandate to represent them in Parliament. I urge our supporters to stay patient and wait for the NRM Electoral Commission to officially declare the results. But we are confident nothing will change because we have been leading almost everywhere.”

At the Kisenyi II polling station, LC I chairman Sande Nkoyooyo Kiwana commended the peaceful conduct of the elections, noting that no major incidents had been reported.

“As you can see, people are lining up peacefully behind their favourite candidate. The NRM is a peaceful party that does not tolerate indiscipline,” Kiwana said. “Here at Kisenyi II, Amina Lukanga has won. We encourage our members to stay calm and wait for the final announcement from the party Electoral Commission.”

The NRM Electoral Commission, chaired by Dr. Tanga Odoi, has repeatedly reminded party members to avoid violence during the elections and to respect the lining-up process.

In Sembabule District, tension remains high as both Emmanuel Rwashande and Theodore Sekikubo have each claimed victory. By press time, the Electoral Commission had not announced official results for that race.

Despite minor challenges in some areas, the primaries have generally been peaceful countrywide.

Meanwhile, in Lubaga Division, the headteacher of Sheehan Standard Day and Boarding Primary School, Joseph Kizito, thanked the Ministry of Education and Sports, Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), and partners for the successful rollout of the HPV vaccination campaign for girls aged 10 to 14.

“I want to thank the parents who allowed their children to be vaccinated against HPV, which helps prevent cervical cancer that can affect women’s fertility later in life,” Kizito said. “As a school, our role is to sensitise parents about the benefits. We don’t force them, but we help them understand why it’s important. We are grateful that the majority agreed, and the exercise has been a success.”

Final results for the NRM primaries are expected soon, clearing the way for official campaigns ahead of the 2026 general elections.