NRM Releases a Statement on What They Will Do Next After Brutally Losing in Kawempe North

The National Resistance Movement (NRM) has released a statement following their significant loss in the Kawempe North by-election, where National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate Elias Nalukoola Luyimbazi emerged victorious.

Godfrey Kiwanda, NRM’s vice chairperson for the Buganda sub-region, acknowledged the defeat but described the party’s performance as “impressive” despite the outcome.

He emphasized that the party remains determined to make a comeback in future elections.

“We performed well, considering the circumstances. This is not the end. Our focus now shifts to the 2026 general elections, where we aim to secure more seats in the Buganda region,” Kiwanda stated.

The March 13 by-election took place under heavy security deployment, with reports of arrests involving journalists, opposition MPs, and their supporters.

Despite the tense environment, Nalukoola clinched victory, further strengthening NUP’s hold in the area.

Kiwanda maintained that NRM would not be discouraged by the loss and hinted at a renewed strategy to regain support in Buganda, a region that has increasingly leaned towards the opposition.

Political analysts view this defeat as a significant setback for NRM, especially in Kampala’s urban areas, where opposition parties continue to gain ground.

However, Kiwanda’s remarks suggest the ruling party is far from giving up, signaling an intense political battle ahead in 2026.

As both parties regroup, the aftermath of the by-election including the arrests and alleged harassment of journalists continues to spark national debate on Uganda’s political landscape.