Sheema, Uganda – The former Minister of Science, Technology and Innovations Hon. Dr. Elioda Tumwesigye, is poised to make a comeback to Uganda’s Parliament after securing the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party flag for Sheema North Constituency.
The seasoned politician emerged victorious in Yesterday’s, Thursday, July 17, 2025, primary elections, clinching an impressive 13,369 votes that demonstrated his enduring popularity among constituents.
Dr. Tumwesigye’s decisive win saw him outpace his closest challenger, Pison Nkuruho, who managed 5,604 votes, while other contenders trailed far behind – Noame Kibaju with 3,282 votes, Ngabirano Steven with 386 votes, and Kiconco Agnes with a mere 46 votes.
The landslide victory positions the former minister as the NRM’s presumptive candidate for Sheema North in the 2026 general elections, marking what could be a remarkable political resurgence for the experienced legislator.
The day’s political drama extended far beyond Sheema North as Uganda’s political landscape witnessed a seismic shift with the unexpected defeat of four sitting Cabinet ministers in their respective NRM primaries.
Among the high-profile casualties were incumbent Ndorwa County West Constituency MP Minister David Bahati, Amuria County MP Hon. Minister Musa Ecweru, Bukonzo West MP Hon. Minister Godfrey Kabyanga, Bunyangabu Woman MP and State Minister for Gender Peace Mutuuzo, and Kabaale District Hon. Minister Victoria Rusoke.
These shocking losses by established political heavyweights have sent ripples through the ruling party, exposing potential vulnerabilities and growing voter discontent with the political establishment.
While Dr. Tumwesigye’s victory represents continuity in Sheema North, the ousting of four ministers elsewhere in the country may force a recalibration of NRM’s strategy and candidate selection process.