Following chaos in the recent NRM primaries, opposition parties in Ntungamo say they see fresh openings to win key seats in the 2026 elections.
“We told people that NRM has irregularities when it comes to elections and now they have witnessed it themselves. When you elect thieves don’t expect them to behave like angels. We shall build on their weakness and UPC is still open for them,” said Alex Kamara, UPC’s MP aspirant for Ruhama County, who was nominated on 15th July 2025.
Kamara said UPC is relying on its historical legacy in the district.
“UPC is known of its achievements during its reign, especially in the health sector where we have Itojo Hospital built in 1968, and in the education sector where we have Muntuyera High School here in Ntungamo. This is why we still have people in Ntungamo still behind UPC,” he said.
Ntungamo municipality MP aspirant under NUP Rubahamya Magambo said the party is focused on offering an alternative to the “status quo.”
“We look at the message of change compared to the status quo. Service delivery is wanting in health, security and all sectors,” he said.
George Karamira who the district coordinator for ANT added that NRM’s internal problems could tip the scales in favor of the opposition.
“Ntungamo has been known as opposition and many people want change. Basing on the NRM primaries with chaos, we know with our hard work there is a chance for us,” Karamira said.
Across Rushenyi, Ruhama, Ntungamo Municipality, Kajara, and Ruhama East, new faces from NUP, PFF, ANT, and UPC are preparing to challenge NRM flag bearers in 2026.
However, Janet Museveni, the NRM chairperson for Ntungamo District, addressed residents earlier this week, urging unity despite the turmoil.
“You have destroyed this thing.. .............That was because you failed to be truthful and failed to work in peace. When you refuse to unite at a family level, you can't build a home and that applies to a nation. When people refuse to unite and work together, they can't build a nation,” she said.