At least four candidates have been declared unopposed ahead of Uganda’s forthcoming parliamentary elections, paving their way to the 12th Parliament without a contest.
On Wednesday, the Electoral Commission commenced the nomination exercise for candidates seeking to contest in the upcoming parliamentary elections. The nominations covered a total of 353 directly elected Members of Parliament, 146 District Woman Representatives, and five representatives each for Older Persons, Persons with Disabilities, Workers, and Youths.
Following the close of nominations, four candidates emerged unopposed, effectively securing their seats and awaiting the official swearing-in ceremony.
The unopposed candidates are: Anita Annet Among, Speaker of Parliament and Bukedea Woman MP; Thomas Tayebwa, Deputy Speaker and MP for Ruhinda North, Mitooma District; Lillian Paparu Obiale, Arua Woman MP and Ruth Rujoki Mushabe, Kiruhura Woman MP
Speaker Anita Annet Among, who also serves as the 2nd National Vice Chairperson of the NRM, expressed her gratitude to the people of Bukedea for their overwhelming support.
“To my people in Bukedea, I want to express my love and gratitude for the overwhelming support you showed towards me and the NRM flag bearers during our nominations today,” Among said in a heartfelt message.
She urged her supporters to turn their enthusiasm into votes for President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and all NRM candidates across the country.
“Let’s convert that strong support into solid votes for President Kaguta Museveni and all the flag bearers at every level!” she emphasized.
Among also thanked her constituents for their encouragement and goodwill.
“My heart is full, and I genuinely appreciate all the love, gifts, prayers, and kind words you have shared with me. Thank you!” she added.
Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa was also nominated unopposed as the NRM flag bearer for Ruhinda North Constituency in Mitooma District.
“Thank you, Ruhinda North, for sending me unopposed to represent you in Parliament 2026–31. It is a challenge I appreciate. I will deliver,” Tayebwa remarked.
Accompanied by his wife during the nomination exercise, Tayebwa described leadership as both a privilege and a responsibility.
“Leadership, to me, is both a privilege and a responsibility. It is a privilege because we compete, and out of many, one is chosen to lead; and a responsibility because it carries the trust and expectations of those who have placed their confidence in you,” he said.
He highlighted the progress achieved in his constituency over the past five years and pledged to focus on education, healthcare, and access to clean water, while leveraging key national programs such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga.
“Our focus remains on further improving education, healthcare, and access to clean water, while also tapping into key government initiatives such as PDM, Emyooga, and other poverty alleviation programs,” he noted.
Tayebwa also revealed plans to develop Ruhinda North’s tourism potential, citing its proximity to Queen Elizabeth National Park and Imaramagambo Forest as key opportunities for economic growth.
“We also intend to harness the untapped potential of the tourism sector an opportunity that can bring both economic growth and community development,” he added.
Both Among and Tayebwa pledged full support for President Museveni’s 2026 re-election bid and all NRM candidates nationwide.
“My team and I will be campaigning for the entire NRM family in the constituency. We will offer our unwavering support to our presidential candidate, H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, and all other NRM candidates across Ruhinda North,” Tayebwa affirmed.
