Post

• Politics

• July 27, 2025

The NRM parliamentary primaries held on July 17, 2025, delivered shocking results as several of President Museveni’s long-serving ministers and MPs were decisively ousted by lesser-known challengers. This marked a profound shift within the ruling party, highlighting voter appetite for change and fresh leadership. Here are four major candidates who unexpectedly failed to secure the NRM flag:

1. Persis Namuganza – State Minister for Housing

Princess Persis Namuganza was one of the most high-profile figures who lost her seat. A prominent and, at times, controversial minister, she claimed she had won the Bukono race, but lost amid allegations of rigging. Namuganza accused NRM officials—including Speaker Anita Among and the Electoral Commission chairperson Tanga Odoi—of manipulating results to install other candidates. She threatened to resign from the party or run as an independent if her grievances continued to be ignored

2. David Bahati – State Minister for Trade, Industry & Cooperatives

After serving Ndorwa West for nearly two decades and being known as one of the architects of Uganda's industrial policies, David Bahati was unexpectedly defeated in the NRM primary race. His loss signals growing discontent with incumbents and dissatisfaction with economic leadership at the grassroots level

3. Musa Ecweru – State Minister for Disaster Preparedness

A veteran in both the cabinet and as an MP for Amuria County, Musa Ecweru was another casualty of the primaries. Despite more than fifteen years in office and significant influence, he lost to a newcomer in a result that analysts say reflects a backlash against entrenched regional powerholders

4. Dr. Joyce Moriku Kaducu – State Minister for Primary Education

Dr. Joyce Moriku Kaducu, appointed as State Minister for Primary Education, also failed to secure her party’s nomination. Her defeat underscored the NRM electorate’s move toward fresh faces even in key ministries associated with social services and education

What This Means for the NRM

The defeat of these influential figures reflects a significant realignment within the ruling party. Analysts see it as:

• A clear message from voters hungry for younger leadership and new perspectives.
• A generational shift within the NRM, as many long-serving MPs give way to first-time candidates.
• Evidence of internal dissent, with allegations of rigging, intimidation, and electoral manipulation casting doubt on the primaries’ fairness

Looking Ahead

As attention shifts to the 2026 general elections, these losses raise pressing questions for the NRM leadership: Will these defeated stalwarts run as independents? Will the party reform its nomination process? And most importantly, will this wave of change strengthen or fracture the ruling party’s hold on power?