When voters in the Bugisu sub-region finally went to the polls a week later than the rest of the country, the delayed exercise became a quiet test of loyalty, performance, and personality.
The results showed a region still firmly anchored in the ruling party, but increasingly open to independent leadership.
The week-late parliamentary elections across Bugisu concluded with the National Resistance Movement (NRM) retaining overwhelming control of the sub-region, even as independent candidates made notable gains and the National Unity Platform (NUP) secured a symbolic breakthrough.
From the mountainous districts surrounding Mt Elgon to the busy streets of Mbale City, voters delivered a mixed verdict shaped less by party wave politics and more by local trust and individual track records. In Bulambuli District, the NRM tightened its grip, winning most constituencies, although voters broke ranks in Elgon Constituency by electing independent candidate Ignatius Mudimi Wamakuyu.
Sironko District reflected a similar balance. While the ruling party secured Budadiri East and the Woman MP seat, Budadiri West slipped to an independent candidate, reinforcing the region’s growing comfort with non-party representation.
Mbale City emerged as a standout battleground. Despite the NRM retaining the Woman MP seat, voters rejected party dominance in the two city divisions, opting instead for independent candidates in both Northern and Industrial City Divisions. The outcome signaled an urban electorate increasingly driven by individual appeal rather than party allegiance.
In Mbale District, however, the ruling party swept all available seats, consolidating its influence in Bungokho North, Central, and South, alongside the Woman MP position. Manafwa District delivered one of the most competitive outcomes, splitting its seats between the NRM and independent candidates.
Bududa District produced the only opposition party victory in the sub-region, where the National Unity Platform’s John Baptist Nambeshe captured Manjiya County, punctuating an otherwise NRM-leaning result. Meanwhile, Namisindwa District returned a clean sweep for the ruling party, underscoring its enduring strength there.
Overall, the delayed vote did little to disrupt the NRM’s dominance in Bugisu. However, the strong performance of independent candidates and the single NUP win pointed to a shifting political culture, where voters appeared increasingly willing to prioritize individual credibility and local connection over party label.
Bugisu Sub-Region: Officially Elected Members of Parliament
Bulambuli District
Woman MP: Nambozo Sarah Wekomba (NRM)
Elgon Constituency: Ignatius Mudimi Wamakuyu (Independent)
Elgon North Constituency: Nangoli Gerald (NRM)
Bulambuli County: Biara Wepukhulu (NRM)
Sironko District
Budadiri East Constituency: Nakiyi Julius (NRM)
Budadiri West Constituency: Wanyoto Godfrey (Independent)
Woman MP: Nabulo Asha Lumolo (NRM)
Mbale City
Woman MP: Hon. Lydia Wanyoto (NRM)
Northern City Division: Umar Nangoli (Independent)
Industrial City Division: Hon. Karim Masaba (Independent)
Mbale District
Bungokho North Constituency: Wanyenya Shafiga (NRM)
Bungokho Central Constituency: Masaba Muhamood Mutenyo (NRM)
Bungokho South Constituency: Wokuri Geoffrey (NRM)
Woman MP: Mukhaye Miriam (NRM)
Manafwa District
Butiru Constituency: Wakooli Godfrey Matembu (NRM)
Bubulo West Constituency: Hon. Matembu Chris (Independent)
Woman MP: Hon. Rose Mutonyi (Independent)
Bududa District
Lutsekhe County Constituency: Isaac Modoi (NRM)
Bushigai County Constituency: Hon. Wabusani Steven Makwa (NRM)
Manjiya County Constituency: John Baptist Nambeshe (NUP)
Woman MP: Shiuma Agnes Khainza (NRM)
Namisindwa District
Namisindwa County Constituency: Metrine Musufa (NRM)
Bubulo East Constituency: Musila John (NRM)
Woman MP: Khalayi Peace (NRM)
