Mixed Reactions as NRM’s Fred Ruhindi Wins Nakawa East Parliamentary Seat

Nakawa Division East experienced a mix of anger, frustration, and indifference on Saturday following the declaration of parliamentary election results that saw National Resistance Movement (NRM) candidate Fred Ruhindi declared the winner.

Ruhindi defeated National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate Alex Waisswa Mufumbiro, securing more than 18,000 votes against Mufumbiro’s over 15,000, according to the Electoral Commission. The race was closely contested, but Ruhindi’s victory drew varied reactions from residents.

A tour of the area by URN revealed that many residents were largely indifferent to both Ruhindi’s win and President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s re-election. In neighborhoods such as Mutungo, Biina, and Bugolobi, residents continued with their daily routines, attending shops, playing cards, or sitting on verandas, while radios and televisions remained mostly unattended.

Many youths were reportedly engrossed in watching a Manchester derby between Manchester City and Manchester United, seemingly unaffected by the election announcements. At BAL Restaurant, reportedly owned by Nakawa East MP Ronald Balimwezo, only a few patrons were present, with some on their phones and others watching a movie.

Several boda boda riders and street vendors noted that Mufumbiro had not established permanent residence in the area, having rented accommodation only during the election period. URN visited the premises near Mivule Primary School, where campaign posters of President Museveni were displayed inside and outside the property.

Security personnel confirmed that Mufumbiro’s family was not present, while tenants claimed the NRM’s victory was genuine and criticized the opposition for assuming automatic success. “Does Museveni abuse people? The opposition should stop bossing around,” one tenant remarked, questioning the strategy of candidates moving into constituencies shortly before elections.

In Kitintale, some residents expressed anger, alleging that state influence had tilted parliamentary results in favor of Ruhindi, even if the presidential outcome was legitimate. One boda boda rider warned that Uganda risked being under “state capture” and said that such practices could harm future generations.

Others, however, accepted the results. Umaru Mugambe said he was satisfied with the presidential outcome and was mainly focused on the restoration of internet services for business and leisure. Nicholas Mukuru, a resident of Biina, emphasized earning a living over contesting political results, noting that challenging outcomes could lead to unnecessary trouble.

In Mbuya, boda boda riders reported low morale after their preferred candidates were not declared winners. Residents’ reactions reflected a combination of political apathy, acceptance, and frustration, highlighting the mixed sentiments in Nakawa East following the elections.