2026 Polls: Katuntu, Basalirwa Out as NUP Dominates Busoga Region

Veteran legislator Abdul Katuntu has lost his Bugweri County parliamentary seat, ending a 25-year career in Parliament, as the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) registered sweeping gains across the Busoga sub-region.

Katuntu was defeated by Sadala Wandera in Thursday’s polls, in a result that signals a major shift in the region’s political landscape.

Returning Officer Flavia Nakasi officially declared several newly elected lawmakers, most of them from NUP, following the conclusion of vote tallying.

In Jinja South East Division, NUP’s Paul Mwiru was declared MP-elect after defeating NRM’s Richard Mbaziira and the incumbent Nathan Igeme Nabeeta.

In Jinja South West, NUP’s Dr Timothy Batuwa retained his seat, defeating former lawmaker Moses Balyeku of the NRM.

Comedian-turned-politician Hussein Muyonjo, popularly known as Swengere, was declared MP-elect for Jinja North Division on the NUP ticket. Speaking after his victory, Swengere said Ugandans deserved “real freedom.”

“We need to get freedom that is real freedom, not freedom that is controlled by someone,” he said.

Sarah Lwasa Nsula was elected Jinja City Woman MP on the NUP ticket, defeating incumbent Manjeri Kibakutika.

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In Bugweri District, independent candidate Stella Nankwanga was declared Woman MP, defeating Rachael Magoola alias Obangaina, NRM’s Amina Muteesi Nalugoda, and NUP’s Mercy Walukamba.

In Bugiri Municipality, NRM’s Francis Oketcho defeated incumbent MP Asumani Basalirwa, who also serves as the president of JEEMA. Basalirwa’s defeat means the party will have no representation in the 12th Parliament.

Namutumba District witnessed a clean sweep by independent candidates. Betty Nakisiita won the Woman MP seat, while Persis Namuganza took Bukono County, Joel Waiswa won Busiiki County, and Yona Kayogera claimed Busiiki North.

In Mayuge District, NRM candidates dominated. Aggrey Bagiire won Bunya West, Saleh Mpata secured Bunya South, and Alex Ekoro was declared MP-elect for Bunya East. Third Deputy Prime Minister Lukiya Nakadama was re-elected Woman MP for Mayuge.

In Iganga, NUP’s Nasser Mudiobole defeated incumbent Peter Mugema, also known as “Panadol,” to become MP for Iganga Municipality. Andrew Kaluuya (NUP) won Kigulu South, while NRM’s Samuel Lukunguba Muteezo took Kigulu North.

In Kaliro District, NRM’s Brenda Namukutu was declared Woman MP, while George Patrick Kasajja defeated Minister Gume Ngobi for the Bulamogi North seat.

In Kamuli District, former Speaker of Parliament Rebecca Kadaga was re-elected Woman MP. Mastula Namatovu (NRM) won the Kamuli Municipality seat, while Martin Muzaale (NRM) retained Buzaaya County. Matayo Bazaale (NRM) defeated NUP’s Andrew Muwanguzi.

In Kagoma North, Jinja District, NUP’s John Odworu defeated Brandon Kintu, while NRM’s Peace Tibyaza was declared Woman MP-elect.