Leaders of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) in Mityana District have expressed excitement following what they describe as a decisive political comeback in the 2026 general elections, saying the results have restored the party’s footing after heavy losses in 2021.
District party leaders characterized the outcome as a major turnaround, attributing the resurgence to renewed unity and improved coordination, lessons they say were drawn from their previous defeat.
“We now understand what cost us in 2021, especially divisions within the party. This time, we worked together, and that is why we have regained ground,” said Kibedi Nsegumire, the NRM Vice Chairperson for Mityana.
For years, Mityana had been regarded as an opposition stronghold. In the 2021 elections, opposition parties dominated most key positions, leaving the NRM with only one major seat — the Mityana North parliamentary seat held by Mr Nsegumire.
Out of seven top political positions at the time — five parliamentary seats, the District Chairperson seat, and the Municipal Mayoral position — the opposition secured six.
However, the 2026 elections have significantly altered the political landscape.
The NRM has now secured four major positions, including the District Woman Member of Parliament seat, the parliamentary seats for Mityana, Mityana South and Mityana North, as well as the District Chairperson position.
Meanwhile, the National Unity Platform (NUP) retained the Mityana Municipality parliamentary seat, the Busujju constituency seat, and the Mityana Municipal Mayoral position.
NRM leaders say the improved performance reflects a new strategy anchored on teamwork and collective mobilization.
“Our strength this time was unity. We moved with one message and one team, and our goal now is to serve the people of Mityana in a coordinated and effective manner,” Mr Nsegumire said.
Despite the gains, the election outcome has not been without controversy. Some NRM supporters in Busujju have raised concerns, claiming their candidate, Vincent Nyanzi, was unfairly defeated by incumbent MP David Lukyamuzi Kalwanga.
Mr Nsegumire advised aggrieved members to seek legal redress rather than escalate tensions.
“If there are complaints, the proper course is to use the law to challenge the results,” he said.
Mr Kalwanga dismissed the allegations, maintaining that his victory was legitimate.
“My win was clear and fair. I caution anyone against making false claims that could damage my reputation,” he said.
He warned NRM supporters against spreading what he described as unfounded allegations about his victory.
“If they continue making those allegations, I may take them to court and they will have to prove their allegations,” Mr Kalwanga added.
Beyond the top elective offices, the NRM also performed strongly at the local government level. Out of the 36 district council seats, the party won 33. NUP secured two seats, while one councillor was elected as an independent.
Political observers say the results mark a notable shift in Mityana’s political dynamics and could influence governance and service delivery in the district over the next five years.
NRM leaders have pledged to use their regained strength to prioritise development and improve service delivery.
