By Emmanuel Otekat Kuluo
The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party officially kicked off its electoral roadmap to the 2026 general elections with primary elections held across the country on May 6.
The process, which involved electing party flag bearers and grassroots structures, saw political tensions rise in several regions, none more dramatically than in Jinja City’s East constituency.
Among the surprise outcomes of the day was the loss of Hon. Nathan Igeme Nabeeta, Jinja City Southern Division East legislator and NRM district Chairperson whose candidate failed to secure victory in Igeme’s own home polling station in Masese village.
The political climate in Jinja East has been intensifying for months, particularly within NRM ranks, where two prominent figures- Igeme Nabeeta and aspiring legislator Richard Mbaziira have been jostling for influence ahead of the 2026 polls.
The rivalry reached fever pitch during the village-level elections, turning what would have been minor contests into symbolic battles of political supremacy.
At Masese Lakesite Primary School, the polling center where Nabeeta himself cast his vote, emotions ran high as both camps deployed their full weight behind their respective candidates for the Masese village NRM Chairperson slot. Nabeeta backed Andrew Twinamatsiko, while his rival Mbaziira supported Abdallah Latif Makiika. Though Mbaziira did not appear physically, his influence was deeply felt.
As the lines formed and ballots were cast, Igeme was seen lining behind Twinamatsiko, a move signaling his personal investment in the outcome. However, the result did not favor him. Joseph Mukiibi, the village registrar, announced that Makiika had won with 678 votes, compared to Twinamatsiko’s miserable 420. The announcement triggered celebrations among Mbaziira’s supporters, while Igeme and his followers were left reeling from the defeat.
Refusing to concede, Nabeeta cited irregularities in the process and vowed to petition the results.
“You can’t take us for granted,” one angry voter, Makansi, was overheard shouting at Nabeeta during the counting process. “You’ve spent five years away from us. Now you come back only for elections. We’ll make sure all your candidates lose including yourself.”
This sentiment echoed across the constituency, where many voters expressed frustration with what they described as Nabeeta’s dormant leadership. Since his election before the 2021 general elections, several residents alleged that he had become disconnected from the grassroots, offering little to no impact on the NRM’s local growth.
“We’re tired of the old guard,” said Richard Okalanyi, a youthful voter. “This is our time. The youths are ready to take the mantle. We’ve gained nothing under Nabeeta’s leadership.”
Meanwhile, in Walukuba-Masese, celebrations broke out as victorious candidates aligned with Mbaziira paraded through the streets, culminating in a jubilant gathering at his home. Music, chants, and impromptu speeches filled the air as Mbaziira himself addressed supporters, urging them to remain committed to the NRM party and to continue rejecting leaders who have failed to deliver.
“This is not just about me or my candidates,” Mbaziira told the crowd. “This is about the future of the party. We cannot keep recycling leaders who have offered nothing but silence since their election. We must embrace those willing to engage and transform our communities.”
He specifically called out Nabeeta, accusing him of abandoning voters and becoming invisible since his last election win.
“Where has he been for five years? Leadership is not a title, it’s a responsibility.”
In a later interview with the media, Nabeeta brushed off the accusations, stating that his opponents were attempting to stir division within the party.
“These are political rivals trying to gain mileage,” he said. “But I’m willing to sit down and harmonize with everyone. The party is bigger than all of us.”
Despite his remarks, the message from voters appears clear: change is in the air, and the NRM base in Jinja East is demanding new, engaged leadership. As the road to 2026 unfolds, all eyes will remain on how this internal party rivalry shapes the broader political landscape in the region.
For now, Igeme Nabeeta faces not only a political rival in Mbaziira Richard but a growing wave of discontent that threatens his re-election bid and possibly his standing within the party he once dominated.
