State Minister for Housing Persis Namuganza has lost the race to retain the NRM party flag for Bukono Constituency, following fresh elections held on Monday in 76 villages across Namutumba District.
Results announced today in Kampala by Dr. Tanga Odoi, Chairperson of the NRM Electoral Commission, confirmed Emmanuel Maganda Katoko as the new flagbearer.
Maganda polled 20,512 votes against Namuganza’s 17,764. Three other contenders—Paul Baite Bajje, Siraji Gusongoirye, and Andrew Mpanga—each garnered fewer than 1,600 votes. The elections were ordered by the NRM Election Disputes Tribunal, chaired by Counsel John Musiime, after it found substantial irregularities in the July 17 primaries. Namuganza had initially petitioned for results from Kibale Town Council and Kibale Sub-county, prompting a re-run across the affected villages.
The Bukono contest was one of seven fresh elections conducted yesterday, September 8, after tribunal rulings nullified results in 16 constituencies due to irregularities such as altered declaration forms, missing polling stations, and interference by local officials. In Buyende District, Sarah Namulondo consolidated her position as District Woman MP flagbearer, winning 86,580 votes against Nakato Mary Annet’s 57,527, while Achom Robina Kaima trailed with 24,991.
In Ntungamo Municipality, Muzinguzi Yona was reconfirmed winner with 5,740 votes after re-runs in seven villages, beating Phillip Akankwatsa (1,081), Michael Katureebe (791), Edward Beyendeza (423), and Erick Nuwagira (79). Other winners included Michael Odwori Wanyama in Namayingo South (8,672 votes), Mathias Mwesigwa in Rubabo County (10,736 votes), and Kayemba Patrick in Kigulu South (7,978 votes).
Addressing the media, Dr. Tanga Odoi said the elections were conducted peacefully under tighter scrutiny, adding that all tribunal-ordered re-runs are now complete. He urged winners to collect their notification letters and called on losers to accept the results with humility.
Dr. Odoi also outlined the party’s electoral roadmap. Primaries for regional delegates to the National Older Persons Council are set for September 25, followed by the National Youth Council Committee elections on September 30. He said vote-protection activities for the 2026 general elections will run from this month through March 2026.
He added that 62 of the party’s 80 special interest league executive positions have been filled, though some in the Youth and Entrepreneurs Leagues remain vacant. On Ruhaama County, Dr. Odoi said results will be announced tomorrow, Wednesday.
The constituency—once represented by First Lady Janet Museveni—remains unresolved more than a month after voting, following petitions by candidates Richard Barungi and former MP Beatrice Rwakimari alleging voter disenfranchisement.