Rukiga, Uganda – Rukiga District has witnessed a significant political shift as the NRM primaries decisively elected Kiconco Katabaazi Patrick as Constituency MP and Hon. Dr. Sylvia Tumuheirwe Alinatwe as Woman MP, marking the beginning of a new leadership era.
The July 17, 2025 elections saw both candidates secure convincing victories, positioning them as NRM’s standard-bearers for the 2026 general elections.
Patrick won the Constituency MP race with 27,432 votes (48.4%), defeating his nearest challenger Alex Magezi Kanuga who received 12,665 votes (22.3%).
Other candidates – Byamukama Francis, Besigye Lastone, and Dr. Kampikaho Alexander – garnered varying support across the district’s six sub-counties.
Voting patterns revealed distinct regional preferences, with Kanuga’s strongest showing in Kamwezi Sub-County (8,606 votes) while Patrick dominated Kashambya Sub-County (7,037 votes).
The Woman MP race produced a more decisive outcome, with Dr. Alinatwe achieving a landslide victory of 43,308 votes (77.5%) against Kamusime Calorine’s 12,866 votes (22.9%).
Her across the board support demonstrated widespread popularity and solidified her position as NRM’s 2026 candidate.
At the official declaration at Rukiga District headquarters, NRM Electoral Presiding Officer Mr. Mugisha Francis certified the results as free and fair, reporting no significant electoral complaints. He officially endorsed both winners and called for party unity ahead of the general elections.
In her acceptance speech, Dr. Alinatwe acknowledged supporters and reiterated her development agenda: “This victory represents the hopes of all Rukiga residents – from our coffee farmers to market traders to schoolchildren. We’re not just celebrating an election win, but launching a movement for meaningful progress.”
She highlighted ongoing initiatives including agricultural support programs, the Akabox financial inclusion project, and improvements in healthcare and education infrastructure.
Patrick struck a conciliatory tone, emphasizing unity: “Our shared vision for Rukiga’s development must rise above primary election divisions. I invite all contenders to join hands as we work toward 2026 victory and district-wide progress.”
The primaries have not only ushered in new leadership but also reflected evolving voter priorities, with increased emphasis on grassroots development and party unity.
As attention turns to the general elections, observers will monitor how these candidates convert primary success into broader electoral achievement.
The elections were conducted peacefully across all sub-counties, with voter turnout reported as substantially higher than previous NRM primaries in the district. Both winners are expected to immediately begin preparations for the 2026 campaign season.