The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) held its delegates conference last night, resulting in major shakeups in the party’s elder persons and special interest group leadership ahead of the 2026 general elections.
In a surprising turn, former Executive Director of the Uganda Media Centre, Ofwono Opondo, emerged victorious as the NRM flag bearer for elder persons representing the Eastern region, defeating the incumbent Minister of State for Elder Persons, Gidudu Mafabi.
In the Central region, James Kakooza, the incumbent Ugandan legislator in the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), defeated Peninah Busingye Kabingani, widely known as Maama Kisanja, who has been serving as the Member of Parliament for older persons.
The Western region seat also changed hands, with Jacqueline Mbabazi, wife of former Prime Minister John Patrick Amama Mbabazi, unseating incumbent MP Joram Ruranga Tibasiimwa to become the NRM flag bearer.
Meanwhile, Peggy Joy Waako retained her position as the Female NRM Flag Bearer for elder persons at the national level, consolidating her hold on the seat.
Despite her loss in the Central region parliamentary race, Peninah Busingye Kabingani bounced back to win the position of Chairperson of the NRM Elders League, signaling her continued influence in the party’s senior leadership.
Jim Muhwezi, a senior bush war veteran and long-serving politician, maintained his position as Chairman of the Veterans League.
In another key election, Shafiq Mwanje was elected Chairperson of the Persons with Disabilities (PWD) League, further expanding representation for special interest groups within the party.
These elections set the tone for the NRM’s internal reorganization and preparations as it gears up for the 2026 elections, with notable political heavyweights reclaiming or repositioning their influence within the party structures.
By Olivia Nabaggala
26th Aug 2025
END
