Africa-Press – Uganda. Celebrations are still underway across Kitagwenda County following Robert Mugabe’s sweeping win in the National Resistance Movement (NRM) primaries — a victory many locals say was not only expected but long overdue.
Mugabe secured 25,709 votes, or 50.5% of the total ballots cast, far ahead of his closest rival, former MP Agaba Abass Mugisha, who polled 14,552 votes (28.6%).
Incumbent MP Joseph Nulu Byamukama trailed in third with 6,918 votes (13.6%), while Emmanuel Arinaitwe and David Kamukama Bambeiha managed 1,922 and 1,727 votes respectively.
Mugabe’s journey to reclaim political relevance has been turbulent. In 2019, when Kitagwenda attained district status, he was unanimously elected interim district chairperson by the 10-member council, having previously represented Nyabanni Sub-county under Kamwenge District Council.
His political ascent, however, hit a wall in 2021 when the Electoral Commission disqualified him from the LC5 race over allegations of academic forgery — this despite winning the NRM primaries with a commanding 87%.
“It was painful to watch our candidate denied the seat after such a clear victory. But we never gave up on him,” said John Muhumuza, a supporter from Kabujogera Town Council.
The legal challenge, spearheaded by Kenneth Tumwebaze, claimed Mugabe had forged his Primary Leaving Examination results. The court eventually dismissed the case in 2023, reinstating his eligibility.
Determined to silence his critics, Mugabe enrolled through a mature-age entry scheme at Islamic University in Uganda in late 2021.
He later graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration from Bishop Stuart University in 2024.
“Mugabe showed us what perseverance looks like. He went back to school just to clear his name. That’s leadership,” said Esther Kobumanzi, a market vendor in Kitagwenda Town Council.
A Candidate of the People
Throughout his exile from formal politics, Mugabe maintained deep connections with constituents, frequently visiting villages and engaging directly with communities.
“Even without a position, he kept checking on us and never looked down on anyone,” said Habibu Sabiiti, a boda boda rider in Kitagwenda Town.
Political analyst Innocent Byamukama noted that while Mugabe’s rivals reportedly spent heavily on the campaign trail — with some allegedly disbursing up to Shs 800 million — it was loyalty and relatability that ultimately swayed the vote.
“One of his opponent’s agents came to my home and offered Shs 10,000 for my vote,” confessed a resident who requested anonymity. “I took the money — but still voted for Mugabe.”
Supporters say Mugabe’s role as the district’s first chairperson earned him lasting respect.
“He laid the groundwork for service delivery when Kitagwenda was still finding its feet. People haven’t forgotten that,” said Grace Namukasa, a retired head teacher from Kanara.
Mugabe himself expressed little surprise at the outcome.
“I knew the people of Kitagwenda still believed in me. This victory is for truth, resilience, and service. I’ve always been transparent, and that’s what they voted for,” he said.
With the NRM flag secured, Mugabe now turns to the 2026 general election — bolstered by a loyal support base that stood by him through scandal, litigation, and a long road back to legitimacy.
Source: Nilepost News
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