Burnet Mbabazi has emerged as the National Resistance Movement (NRM) flag bearer for the upcoming Kikuube District LC5 by-election after winning the party primaries with a commanding lead, although the outcome has already sparked controversy following objections from one of his main challengers.
Official results released by NRM electoral officials showed that Mbabazi polled 23,279 votes, accounting for 58 percent of the ballots cast, placing him comfortably ahead of his competitors in a race that attracted significant attention across the district.
The primaries were conducted across Kikuube’s villages and sub-counties as party members selected a candidate to represent the ruling party in the forthcoming by-election. The election follows the death of former district chairperson Peter Banura Araali, whose passing left the LC5 seat vacant.
Mbabazi, son of retired Major General and former diplomat Matayo Kyaligonza, celebrated the victory and thanked supporters for entrusting him with the party ticket. He called on party members to unite behind his candidacy ahead of the district-wide vote.
“We have gone through a competitive process and now it is time to work together for the development of Kikuube,” he told supporters shortly after the declaration of results.
The victory strengthens Mbabazi’s position ahead of the June by-election, where he is expected to carry the ruling party’s hopes in a district that has traditionally leaned heavily towards the NRM.
However, the declaration did not pass without dispute.
One of the defeated candidates, Paddy Kisembo, rejected the outcome, alleging irregularities in parts of the electoral process. Kisembo claimed that results from some polling areas did not accurately reflect the will of voters and called for greater transparency from election officials.
He particularly questioned the handling of voting and tallying exercises in several areas and demanded access to electoral records to verify the results.
Despite the setback, Kisembo indicated that he is considering continuing with his political ambitions outside the party structure, a move that could potentially divide support among NRM-leaning voters during the by-election.
Political observers say the emerging disagreement could test party unity in Kikuube at a time when the NRM is seeking to retain control of one of its key local government positions.
The upcoming by-election is expected to attract considerable interest, not only because of the contest within the ruling party but also due to Kikuube’s growing strategic importance as one of Uganda’s oil-producing districts.
With the NRM primaries now concluded, attention shifts to nominations and the official campaign period, where candidates will seek to convince voters that they are best suited to lead the district following the untimely death of the former chairperson.
For now, Burnet Mbabazi carries the ruling party’s flag into the race, but the resistance from within his own political camp suggests the battle for Kikuube’s top district seat is far from over.
