The National Resistance Movement (NRM) has seen a shift in leadership as elections for Special Interest Groups were held during the National Delegates Conference at Kololo Independence Grounds.
The highly contested elections saw several long-serving party members lose their positions, including Lydia Wanyoto, the incumbent Chairperson of the NRM Women’s League.
In a surprising turn of events, Adrine Kobusingye, a businesswoman from Bushenyi District, emerged as the new National Chairperson for the Women’s League after defeating Wanyoto in a hotly contested race.
The election, managed by the NRM Electoral Commission under the leadership of Dr. Tanga Odoi, attracted eight candidates vying for the same position.
During the campaign period, Ruth Kalungi stepped down in support of Kobusingye.
Just before vote counting began, Lydia Wanyoto, popularly known as “Big Sister,” and Kalisa Kyomukama Jovelyne, widely referred to as “Maama PDM,” also withdrew from the race and chose to back Faridah Kibowa in a last-minute alliance.
Despite this combined effort, Kobusingye maintained a strong lead and secured a landslide victory with 1,838 votes.
Kibowa followed with 670 votes, while the remaining candidates Faridah Nakalawa, Sarah Lanyero, and Rehema Chanica received only a handful of votes.
After being declared the winner by Dr. Odoi, Kobusingye expressed her gratitude to the delegates and promised to work towards uniting and empowering women within the party.
She praised her supporters for believing in her leadership and committed to promoting development and inclusivity for women in the NRM.
In addition to Kobusingye’s victory, other members were also elected to various positions within the Women’s League leadership.
Enid Kansime was elected Vice Chairperson for the Western Region, while Juliet Nassuna Kalule took the Central Region slot, among others.
The results signal a new chapter within the party’s special interest structures, marking a generational and strategic shift in the NRM’s internal politics.
By Olivia Nabaggala
26th Aug 2025
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