Kanungu, Uganda – Counsel Esther Majambere has announced her decision to run as an independent candidate for the Kanungu District Woman Member of Parliament seat in the upcoming general elections.
The move comes after she rejected the results of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party primaries held on July 17, 2025, where she finished in third place with 14,606 votes.
Speaking on a local radio program in Kanungu, Majambere raised serious allegations of electoral malpractice during the NRM primaries.
She claimed the process was tainted by widespread irregularities, including bribery, the mistreatment of polling agents, and the participation of ineligible voters.
She further accused security personnel of intimidating voters, stating that uniformed men armed with sticks were heavily deployed at polling stations, harassing both voters and agents.
“The election was far from free and fair. Many of our supporters were intimidated, and agents were denied access to polling stations. There was blatant bribery, and the results do not reflect the will of the people,” Majambere stated.
Despite the contentious outcome, Majambere expressed gratitude to her supporters for standing firm against what she described as electoral injustices.
She assured them that she remains committed to addressing the challenges they faced during the primaries and vowed to continue fighting for their interests.
The NRM’s District Returning Officer, Alex Kamukama, declared Betty Kataba the winner of the party’s primaries with 40,719 votes, making her the official NRM flag bearer.
The incumbent, Hon. Kishaba Patience, secured second place with 27,132 votes, while Majambere trailed in third, followed by Kansiime Honest with 10,086 votes, Kyasiimire Shillah with 1,007 votes, and Hon. Prossy with 556 votes.
Majambere’s decision to run as an independent sets the stage for a competitive race in Kanungu District, potentially reshaping the political dynamics ahead of the general elections.