NRM Stages Grassroots Comeback in Kayunga Town Council LC1 Polls

By Denis Mukisa

The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) has reclaimed majority control in Kayunga Town Council after winning 11 of the 19 villages in LC1 elections. Independent candidates, most of them NRM-leaning, secured the remaining eight seats, while the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) failed to win any.

Town Council NRM chairperson Alex Kasiriivu described the result as a clear revival of the party’s influence in the area. “This victory is a sign of appreciation from the people and a resurrection of our party, which had been taken over by the opposition. We worked together this time round to achieve this great success,” he said.

Kasiriivu also raised concern about the growing practice of voters demanding money from candidates, warning that it risks elevating leaders who lack the competence to serve their communities. “When voters prioritise money over ability, they risk electing incapable leaders who cannot deliver on community needs,” he cautioned.

Deputy RDC John Magezi said the elections were largely peaceful and that residents showed strong interest in choosing their leaders. He noted irregularities in the voters’ register, which included names of non-residents, and confirmed isolated incidents of violence. In Kyerima, election officials were beaten, while similar disruptions occurred in Asoni Kaggwa Zone and other areas. Police restored order quickly on his directive.

Newly elected independent chairpersons Patrick Mukalazi Kizito (Ggaaza Village) and Frank Kanamwanje (Asoni Kaggwa Zone) pledged to work with residents and mobilise youth for government development programmes.

NRM sources said the party also secured a majority of seats across Kayunga District. Some voters, however, claimed certain polling officials appeared to favour particular candidates, raising questions about impartiality. District election officer Namirembe Elizabeth said her office was still processing complaints, with the exact number still unconfirmed by press time.

The results mark a significant recovery for the NRM at the grassroots level in Kayunga, reinforcing the party’s presence where village leadership directly shapes local governance and development.