The just-concluded National Resistance Movement (NRM) party primaries have delivered a major upset for several incumbent ministers, many of whom failed to secure the party’s endorsement for the upcoming general elections.
Despite their senior roles in the current cabinet, these ministers were decisively voted out at the grassroots—a clear signal of shifting political tides, mounting local dissatisfaction, or the rise of more compelling challengers.
The primaries, which unfolded amid fierce rivalry and, in some regions, outbreaks of violence that led to injuries and even loss of life, underscored the high stakes involved.
Among the prominent casualties of the internal elections are: David Bahati, State Minister for Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives (Ndorwa West); Musa Ecweru, Minister for Relief, Disaster Preparedness, and Refugees (Amuria County) and Ngobi Gume Fredrick, State Minister for Cooperatives (Bulamogi North West).
Others are: Dr. Joyce Moriku Kaducu, State Minister for Primary Education (Moyo District Woman MP); Victoria Rusoke Businge, Minister of State for Local Government (Kabarole District Woman MP); Peace Mutuuzo, Minister for Gender, Labour, and Social Development (Bunyangabu District Woman MP) and Rose Lilly Akello, Minister of State for Ethics and Integrity (Ndorwa West).
This defeat places their participation in the 2026 general elections in jeopardy—at least under the NRM ticket—unless they opt to run as independents, a move that would breach party protocol.
Still, the final chapter has not been written. The NRM electoral tribunal has opened a petition process for candidates disputing the results. Whether these ministers will challenge the outcomes or forge independent paths remains to be seen.
