NRM faces uphill task in Ibanda ahead of 2026 polls
Ibanda district is gearing up for the January 15, 2026 presidential and parliamentary elections but the National Resistance Movement Party faces a significant challenge after a number of its aspirants in the recent primaries opted to run as independents. This development has prompted calls for the party to intensify its efforts to secure victory in the upcoming polls.
During the nomination exercise held at the district council hall on October 22-23, a total of 14 candidates were officially nominated to contest for four parliamentary seats—covering Ibanda Municipality, Ibanda South and North counties as well as the district Woman MP seat.
According to Ibanda electoral district registrar Aidah Barekye Nkaija, over 64% of the aspirants, nine in total, are running as independents. Four candidates represent the NRM Party while one is affiliated with the National Unity Platform (NUP).
Notably, six of the independents are former NRM members who lost in the primaries while three are newcomers current district vice-chairman Elias Tumubweine (Ibanda North County), Winfred Aganyira (district Woman MP seat) and Sarapio Betungura. Other incumbents such as current Ibanda North MP Xavier Kyooma Akampurira, Innocent Bakamuhara (Ibanda Municipality) and Caroline Arituha (Woman MP seat) are also contesting some as independents.
The contest is further complicated by the limited party representation with only NRM and NUP fielding candidates. The NRM candidates include Jovrine Kyomukama Kaliisa, a former deputy national coordinator of the Parish Development Model contesting for the district Woman MP seat; Maj. Guma Gumisiriza for Ibanda North County; Dr. John Paul Ninkusima for Ibanda South County; and Pater Agaba for Ibanda Municipality.
On the other hand, Patricia Kenyangi is representing NUP for the district Woman MP seat.
Campaign activities are scheduled to commence on November 10 and will conclude on January 12, 2026. As the elections approach, the NRM Party faces the urgent task of rallying its supporters and consolidating its support base to ensure victory in the face of rising independent candidacies.
