Mbabazi Clinches NRM Flag in Kikuube LC5 Race as Rival Disputes Results

By Melisa Ayebale

KIKUUBE, UGANDA — May 22, 2026

Burnet Mbabazi has been declared the National Resistance Movement (NRM) flag bearer for the Kikuube District LC5 by-election after winning the party primaries with a clear lead, though the announcement has triggered rejection from his main challenger.

Mbabazi secured 23,279 votes, representing 58 percent of the total votes cast, according to results announced by NRM electoral officials overseeing the exercise conducted across the district.

The primaries were held in villages and sub-counties throughout Kikuube as party members participated in selecting the ruling party’s candidate for the upcoming by-election.

The exercise comes in the wake of the death of the former district chairperson, Peter Banura Araali, whose passing created the vacancy now being contested.

Mbabazi, who is the son of retired Major General Matayo Kyaligonza, is now set to represent the ruling party in the June by-election, a race expected to attract strong political interest in the oil-rich district.

Following his victory, Mbabazi called for calm and unity within the party, urging supporters and rivals to focus on the next stage of the election process.

He said the primaries had been competitive but largely peaceful, emphasizing the need for cohesion as the party prepares for the district-wide vote.

However, his closest rival, Paddy Kisembo, rejected the results, accusing election officials of irregularities in several areas where he claims the process was not properly conducted.

Kisembo specifically questioned results from selected polling locations, demanding access to voter registers and tally sheets to verify the outcome.

He has maintained that the discrepancies must be addressed before the results can be fully accepted, setting the stage for continued internal tensions within the party.

Despite the dispute, political observers say Mbabazi’s victory strengthens the NRM’s position ahead of the by-election, although internal disagreements could affect campaign unity if not resolved.

The Kikuube LC5 seat fell vacant earlier this year following the death of the district chairperson in a road accident, prompting heightened political competition across the district.

Attention now shifts to the Electoral Commission’s nomination exercise, after which candidates will officially begin campaigns ahead of the June 18 by-election.