Buyende District Woman Member of Parliament aspirant Sarah Hassan Namulondo commonli known as Kitambala, has secured a decisive political milestone after clinching a double victory in the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) primaries. She first won the July 17, 2025 party elections and later triumphed again in a tribunal-ordered re-election that covered more than fifty villages.
The tribunal re-run followed a petition by Robinah Achom, who accused Namulondo of vote rigging in several parts of Budiope West constituency, including Nkondo Sub-county, Kidera Town Council, Bukungu Town Council, and Buyanja Sub-county.
In the first round, Namulondo polled 80,685 votes (49.4%) in a tight race of three candidates. She beat incumbent Mary Annet Nakato, who garnered 57,394 votes (35.3%), while petitioner Achom came third with 24,952 votes (15.0%).
However, dissatisfaction from Achom forced the NRM Tribunal to intervene. After weeks of hearings and evidence review, the tribunal directed a re-election in 56 villages across both Budiope East and Budiope West constituencies.
Despite the uncertainty and heightened political tension, Namulondo extended her lead in the re-run, polling 86,580 votes (51.2%). Nakato came second with 57,527 votes (34.0%), while Achom marginally improved her tally to 24,991 votes (14.7%).
The exercise was presided over by Mr. Twatsinze Mechack, delegated from the NRM Electoral Commission headquarters in Kampala to ensure transparency.
Speaking after her victory, Namulondo said the outcome was proof that the people of Buyende “value continuity and trust tested leadership.” Her supporters celebrated the win with processions across Buyende Town, describing it as a triumph for women in leadership and a boost for Busoga’s voice at the national level.
Beyond Buyende, other constituencies in Busoga witnessed heated contests. In Kigulu South, Patrick Kayemba stunned political observers by winning the NRM flag with 7,978 votes, unseating incumbent Milton Muwuma who managed 5,105 votes.
The race was a four-man battle, with Yusuf Kyafu Ntulume garnering 7,526 votes, while Abdul Rahmah Sebukaire alias Kangha trailed closely with 7,125 votes.
In Namutumba District, the NRM primaries turned chaotic and violent in Kibaale Sub-county and Kibaale Town Council during a re-run that pitted State Minister for Lands, Persis Namuganza, against her arch-rival Emmanuel Katoko Maganda.
Supporters from both camps accused each other of intimidation, ballot stuffing, and disrupting polling stations. The situation forced the NRM Electoral Commission to forward the matter to party chairperson Dr. Tanga Odoi for a final ruling.
In his declaration, Dr. Odoi confirmed Maganda as the winner with 20,512 votes, while Minister Namuganza polled 17,764 votes, marking a significant upset in the district’s political order.
Political analysts say Namulondo’s double victory is both a personal vindication and a signal of resilience in Busoga politics. Despite facing a tribunal challenge, her ability to secure an even bigger mandate demonstrates a strong grassroots base.
At the same time, the violent scenes in Namutumba highlight persistent cracks in the NRM’s internal election processes. Observers warn that if unresolved, these divisions could weaken the party’s unity ahead of the 2026 general elections.
For now, Buyende remains firmly behind Namulondo, who says she is ready to focus on service delivery and consolidating women’s representation in Parliament.
