The 2026 General Elections have redrawn the political map of Central Uganda, revealing a region sharply defined by contrasts between urban and rural voters, incumbents and newcomers, and opposition momentum versus ruling party resilience.
From the bustling divisions of Kampala and Wakiso to the agrarian counties of Greater Masaka, the parliamentary results reflect shifting voter priorities shaped by economic pressures, generational change, and evolving party loyalties.
Urban centers once again proved fertile ground for the National Unity Platform (NUP), which swept most constituencies in Kampala City and its surrounding metropolitan districts. Voters in the capital appeared to reward vocal opposition figures and fresh faces, particularly among woman MPs and municipality seats.
In Kampala City, NUP secured dominant wins including:
Shamim Malende – Woman MP
Joel Ssenyonyi – Nakawa West
Elias Luyimbazi Nalukoola – Kawempe North
Abubaker Kawalya – Lubaga North
Eugenia Nassolo – Lubaga South
NRM retained strategic ground through Hajjat Minsa Kabanda (Kampala Central) and Fredrick Ruhindi (Nakawa East), underscoring the capital’s competitive nature.
The trend extended into Wakiso District, where NUP candidates claimed Kira, Nansana, Makindye Ssabagabo and Kyadondo East. Notable winners include:
Betty Ethel Naluyima (NUP) – Woman MP
Zambali Bulasio Mukasa (NUP) – Nansana
George Musisi (NUP) – Kira Municipality
NRM held on in Entebbe and parts of Busiro, reflecting a mixed but clearly urban-leaning opposition wave.
Greater Masaka reaffirmed its reputation as one of Uganda’s most politically expressive regions. NUP maintained strong dominance in Masaka City, where all parliamentary seats went to the opposition:
Rose Nalubowa (NUP) – Woman MP
Patrick Kuteesa (NUP) – Kimanya–Kabonera
Javira Ssebina (NUP) – Nyendo–Mukungwe
In Masaka District, voters split their choices across parties:
Joan Namutaawe (NUP) – Woman MP
Sarah Babirye Kityo (NRM) – Bukoto East
Richard Ssebamala (DP) – Bukoto Central
The results highlight Masaka’s enduring tradition of pluralism and competitive politics.
NRM Holds the Countryside
Away from city centers, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) demonstrated continued strength, especially in cattle corridor districts and rural heartlands.
In Ssembabule, the ruling party swept all constituencies, including:
Rtd. Maj. Gen. Emmanuel Rwashande – Lwemiyaga
Anifa Kawooya Bangirana – Mawogola West
Similarly, Rakai, Lyantonde, Kiboga, Kasanda, and much of Nakaseke remained firmly under NRM control, reflecting strong party structures and incumbency advantage.
Independents Make Strategic Inroads
While party politics dominated, independent candidates registered notable wins, particularly in Butambala District:
Eriasa Mukiibi Sserunjoji – Butambala County
Lydia Mirembe Delphine – Woman MP
These victories point to voter willingness to prioritize individual credibility over party affiliation in select constituencies.
Masaka City
Woman MP: Rose Nalubowa (NUP)
Kimanya–Kabonera: Patrick Kuteesa (NUP)
Nyendo–Mukungwe: Javira Ssebina (NUP)
Masaka District
Woman MP: Joan Namutaawe (NUP)
Bukoto East: Sarah Babirye Kityo (NRM)
Bukoto Central: Richard Ssebamala (DP)
Kalungu District
Woman MP: Aisha Sekindi (Independent)
Kalungu East: Kiruruta Yusuf Junior Nkeretanyi (NUP)
Kalungu West: Joseph Gonzaga Ssewungu (NUP)
Kyotera District
Woman MP: Fortunate Nantongo (NUP)
Kakuuto County: Ismail Lubega (NRM)
Kyotera County: Kyeyune Haruna Kasolo (NRM)
Ssembabule District
Woman MP: Mary Begumisa (NRM)
Lwemiyaga: Rtd. Maj. Gen. Emmanuel Rwashande (NRM)
Mawogola North: Sodo Aine Kaguta (NRM)
Mawogola South: Deezi Byuuma Oswaldo (NRM)
Mawogola West: Anifa Kawooya Bangirana (NRM)
Lyantonde District
Woman MP: Doreen Katushabe (NRM)
Kabula County: Enos Asiimwe (NRM)
Kampala District
Kampala Central: Hajjat Minsa Kabanda (NRM)
Lubaga North: Abubaker Kawalya (NUP)
Lubaga South: Eugenia Nassolo (NUP)
Kawempe North: Elias Luyimbazi Nalukoola (NUP)
Kawempe South: Madinah Nsereko Ntale (NRM)
Nakawa West: Joel Ssenyonyi (NUP)
Nakawa East: Fredrick Ruhindi (NRM)
Woman MP: Shamim Malende (NUP)
(Additional districts remain as declared in the official results.)
As the 12th Parliament takes shape, Central Uganda’s delegation mirrors the country itself deeply diverse, politically contested, and increasingly defined by the urban–rural divide.
