In a dramatic political shift, James Mbahimba, Uganda’s former Ambassador to DR Congo, has defeated longtime political titan Dr Chrispus Kiyonga in the race for Kasese District NRM Chairperson—a result marking the end of an era in Rwenzori politics.
Mbahimba swept the polls with 948 votes, leaving Dr. Kiyonga—a veteran of both national and local politics—with 519.
The landslide victory ends Kiyonga’s more than two-decade reign as district party chair, during which he wielded significant influence over the region’s political architecture.
This is the first time Dr. Kiyonga, who currently serves as Chancellor of Makerere University and has held multiple cabinet portfolios, has tasted electoral defeat since Uganda adopted multiparty politics in 2005.
“I accept the outcome and will support the new leadership,” Kiyonga said in a rare concession speech shortly after the final tally.
“I believe in the strength and continuity of our party, and I urge all members to rally behind Chairman Mbahimba.”
The contest had attracted heightened attention, seen by many as a litmus test of the NRM’s internal cohesion and regional power dynamics ahead of the 2026 general elections.
Mbahimba’s decisive win, built on a message of generational renewal and grassroots unity, has redefined the political terrain of Kasese.
“This victory is not just mine—it belongs to every member who dreams of a stronger, more united party,” Mbahimba told jubilant supporters.
“My first priority is to reconcile internal differences and build a cohesive structure that represents the aspirations of our grassroots.”
He called on the district’s NRM faithful to put rivalry behind them and focus on rebuilding trust and mobilisation.
“Let us walk together with one voice, one vision, and one mission: to uphold the values of our party and serve the people of Kasese with renewed dedication.”
Political observers say the shift in Kasese’s NRM leadership could have far-reaching implications for the party’s strategy in the Rwenzori sub-region—an area that has long required careful political navigation due to its ethnic diversity and history of opposition support.
As the dust settles, all eyes are now on how Mbahimba steers the party machinery in Kasese, a district whose political mood has often mirrored broader national trends.