The 2026 general elections redrew Busoga’s political map in ways few had predicted. What unfolded across the sub-region was not a single-party sweep, but a decisive break from long-held political habits, marked by the fall of entrenched figures, the rise of youthful and unconventional leaders, and an unmistakable expansion of opposition space.
At the heart of the upheaval was Bugweri County, where veteran legislator Abdul Katuntu lost his seat after 25 uninterrupted years in Parliament. His defeat by Sadala Wandera symbolised a wider rejection of political longevity without renewal. For many voters, the result reflected growing impatience with familiar names and a desire for representation that feels closer to everyday struggles.
Jinja City became the epicentre of this shift. In Jinja North Division, comedian-turned-politician Hussein Muyonjo, widely known as Swengere, rode a wave of youth enthusiasm to victory on the National Unity Platform (NUP) ticket. His campaign, heavy on populist language and street-level mobilisation, resonated with voters who felt ignored by traditional politics.
His declaration that Ugandans deserved “real freedom” captured the mood of many first-time and young voters.
NUP’s momentum extended to the women’s race in the city, where Sarah Lwasa Nsula defeated incumbent Manjeri Kibakutika to become Jinja City Woman MP. Kibakutika had previously been the only NUP MP from Busoga, making her loss and the party’s expansion all the more striking.
Elsewhere, voters signalled a willingness to think beyond party colours. Namutumba District delivered a rare clean sweep for independent candidates, while Bugweri District elected an independent Woman MP, Stella Nankwanga. These outcomes suggested that personality, local credibility and perceived independence mattered as much as party affiliation.
The ruling NRM, however, proved far from defeated. It retained strongholds in Mayuge, Kaliro, Kamuli and parts of Iganga, re-electing senior figures such as Third Deputy Prime Minister Lukiya Nakadama and former Speaker Rebecca Kadaga. In Bugiri Municipality, NRM’s Francis Oketcho unseated JEEMA president Asumani Basalirwa, a result that effectively eliminated JEEMA from the next Parliament.
By the end of tallying, the National Unity Platform had grown from one to eight seats in Busoga, independents had asserted themselves forcefully, and the NRM had held key rural bases.
The overall picture was one of fragmentation, competition and political awakening rather than dominance by any single force.
List of Elected Members of Parliament from Busoga Sub-region
Jinja City & Jinja District
Jinja North Division: Hussein Muyonjo “Swengere” (NUP)
Jinja South East: Paul Mwiru (NUP)
Jinja South West: Timothy Batuwa (NUP)
Jinja City Woman MP: Sarah Lwasa Nsula (NUP)
Kagoma North: John Odworu (NUP)
Woman MP Jinja District: Peace Tibyaza (NRM)
Bugweri District
Bugweri County: Sadala Wandera
Woman MP: Stella Nankwanga (Independent)
Iganga District
Iganga Municipality: Nasser Mudiobole (NUP)
Kigulu South: Andrew Kaluuya (NUP)
Kigulu North: Samuel Lukunguba Muteezo (NRM)
Bugiri District
Bugiri Municipality: Francis Oketcho (NRM)
Namutumba District
Woman MP: Betty Nakisiita (Independent)
Bukono County: Persis Namuganza (Independent)
Busiiki County: Joel Waiswa (Independent)
Busiiki North: Yona Kayogera (Independent)
Mayuge District
Bunya West: Aggrey Bagiire (NRM)
Bunya South: Saleh Mpata (NRM)
Bunya East: Alex Ekoro (NRM)
Woman MP: Lukiya Nakadama (NRM)
Kaliro District
Bulamogi North: George Patrick Kasajja
Woman MP: Brenda Namukutu (NRM)
Kamuli District
Woman MP: Rebecca Kadaga (NRM)
Kamuli Municipality: Mastula Namatovu (NRM)
Buzaaya County: Martin Muzaale (NRM)
Kagoma South: Matayo Bazaale (NRM)
The 2026 elections marked a transition toward a more competitive, diverse, and contested parliamentary landscape—one where voters demonstrated a readiness to punish longevity, reward visibility, and experiment with alternatives.
