The NRM primary elections in Buikwe District ended in high drama as State Minister Diana Mutasingwa retained the party flag for District Woman MP, while a physical confrontation erupted between former Njeru Municipality MP Paul Musoke and his rival Badru Kabuye.
Tensions peaked at the district tally center when Musoke, after learning he had lost the race, allegedly attacked Kabuye, who had just been declared the winner for the Njeru Municipality seat with 15,928 votes. Musoke received 7,526 votes.
Musoke reportedly grabbed his opponent and tore up election papers. Police officers on site intervened quickly to calm the situation and separate the two.
The incident occurred late in the night as final vote tallies were being completed. Kabuye had secured 15,928 votes, while Musoke trailed with 7,526.
In a post-announcement comment, Kabuye mocked Musoke, saying the former legislator had “lost popularity in Njeru” because he failed to serve the people effectively during his time in Parliament.
“You had your chance to lead, and you failed the people. Now you want power again through aggression? That’s not how democracy works,” Kabuye remarked.
Earlier, the tallying process had proceeded without incident. NRM returning officer Peter Serwadda began the evening by declaring results from several constituencies.
In Buikwe South, David Mutebi emerged victorious with 23,041 votes, defeating Elijah Kijjambu (3,348) and Hassan Bulobeka (2,096).
In the Woman MP race, incumbent Diana Mutasingwa retained her flag bearer position with 62,708 votes, ahead of Harriet Nankabirwa, who received 4,889.
In Lugazi Municipality, former MP Isaac Mulindwa Sozi reclaimed the NRM flag after polling 8,321 votes. Other candidates included Richard Senteza with 7,259 votes (43.3%), Bill Tomusange with 1,100 votes (6.5%), and Festus Ssemakula with 99 votes (0.6%).
Sozi secured 49.6% of the total votes cast.
After the scuffle in Njeru, the district NRM Charles Kalangwa emphasized the need for reconciliation and cooperation among members to prevent internal divisions that could weaken the party in the general elections.
The winners, including Diana Mutasingwa, pledged to serve diligently and uphold the values of the party if elected in the 2026 general elections.
“My victory is not by chance; it is a result of consistently addressing the concerns of our people. I urge all flag bearers to serve the electorate with commitment,” said Mutasingwa.
