Kadaga Effect: NRM sweeps all parliamentary, district seats in 2026 elections

Kamuli District delivered a total NRM sweep in the 2026 elections, a victory party leaders say honours Rebecca Kadaga’s call for unity, reconciliation and continuity.

First Deputy Prime Minister and Kamuli Woman MP Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga.

Kamuli, Uganda: Busoga East’s Kamuli District delivered a sweeping victory for the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), a result party leaders say reflects renewed unity and loyalty following a direct appeal by First Deputy Prime Minister and Kamuli Woman MP Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga.

Speaking to journalists on Monday, Kamuli NRM District Chairperson Matthew Bazanya said voters overwhelmingly backed NRM flag bearers across all elective positions in response to Kadaga’s call to put aside internal party differences and focus on continuity, reconciliation and development.

“Kamuli listened, heeded and honoured Mama Kadaga’s call to forget internal rifts and renew commitment to the party,” Bazanya said. “The people spoke with one voice.”

NRM Sweeps All Parliamentary Seats

According to the official results, all five parliamentary seats in Kamuli District were won by NRM candidates. These include: Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga – Kamuli District Woman MP, Mastula Namatovu – Kamuli Municipality, Matthew Bazanya – Bugabula South, John Teira – Bugabula North and Martin Muzaale – Buzaaya county.

The party also won all 22 sub-county, town council and division chairperson seats, as well as 41 out of 42 district council seats, with only one seat going to the National Unity Platform (NUP) in Bugulumbya Sub-county.

Bazanya attributed the outcome to Kadaga’s personal mobilisation drive and her emphasis on voting “issues, not individuals.” “There was competition, with opposition candidates in every position, but they were overwhelmingly defeated after Mama Kadaga appealed for empathy, reconciliation and loyalty to the party,” he said.

Bazanya said the party’s priority now is unity of purpose and delivery of tangible services to consolidate the electoral gains.

“With a full house across the board and Mama Kadaga at the command, we have no excuse not to deliver the NRM manifesto,” he said. “It is time to audit our past promises and fully protect the gains while recovering lost ground.”

Kadaga: ‘I Am Still NRM’

During the campaign, Kadaga publicly reaffirmed her commitment to the NRM, calling on Busoga leaders and supporters to move past earlier party disagreements.

“I am still NRM. Let us stop hurting and grieving and put the past aside,” Kadaga said. “What affected me, affected you most, but we must promote reconciliation, unity and development because we still have unfinished business.”

She outlined a renewed development agenda for Busoga, including: establishment of industrial parks to tackle youth unemployment, operationalisation of Bukungu ferries to boost trade with Teso and Lango, promotion of cultural, religious and community tourism, creation of talent studios for youth and Upgrading and full utilisation of Kimaka International Airport.

Kamuli Municipality MP-elect Mastula Namatovu said the NRM sweep has strengthened the district’s bargaining power within government.

“Mama Kadaga’s wish and commitment to serve the party and the people has been granted,” Namatovu said. “Now the challenge is bigger—there are no more excuses. We must deliver.”