Africa-Press – Uganda. Ntungamo District is once again emerging as a political hotspot ahead of the 2026 general elections. Internal disputes from chaotic NRM primaries , including boycotts of tribunal-ordered re-voting in seven stations within the municipality , have exposed cracks in the ruling party’s dominance.
The opposition is now seizing the moment, hoping to expand its presence across the district’s counties, as residents weigh old grievances over service delivery against fresh leadership promises.
Opposition candidates accuse the NRM of intimidation, irregular primaries, and failure to improve livelihoods, while residents continue to decry poor roads, limited water supply, weak electricity coverage, and struggling health facilities.
Perez Rumanzi, spokesperson of the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) in Ntungamo district, says mobilisation remains difficult, often disrupted by security forces.
“There is a lot of intimidation from the security forces. When we launched the party here, our seven supporters were imprisoned. Our supporters must work hard using all tools available , even if it means to put on Nrm colours, with an aim to challenge them and bring them to PFF,” said Rumanzi.
Rumanzi adds that Ntungamo has historically leaned toward the opposition.
“Ntungamo is traditionally opposition. From 2001, it has given us the highest number of votes. With the low turnout in the NRM primaries, we hope that those voters that didn’t turn up are all opposition.”
Meanwhile he also noted that 28 people have crossed from NRM and joined PFF.
Despite the visible cracks, analysts caution that the ruling party still commands dominance.
“It is only in the municipality where opposition has won before. In other constituencies, it’s a bit funny. I think the citizens know only one party,” noted political analyst Edward Natamba.
Former Ntungamo Municipality MP and ANT spokesperson Gerald Karuhanga believes the district’s political space remains highly dynamic and volatile, shaped by its diversity.
“Almost every ethnic group is in Ntungamo. That alone makes it a volatile place. We hope this coming election, all actors , both in opposition and the ruling party , remain sober. In Ntungamo, elections tend to be very chaotic. In the previous primaries, people almost lost lives. That explains what could happen in the general elections,” he warned.
Karuhanga urged the ruling party to embrace fair competition.
“The opposition is trying to grow in a progressive way and we hope our colleagues in the ruling party appreciate the competition. It’s not a do-or-die.”
The former legislator also emphasized the importance of credible leadership.
“People in Ntungamo are very dynamic. They can still vote for dynamic leaders even when the parties are young in the area. Yes, the parties are growing, but do they present credible leaders who can deliver on the challenges of the people?” he asked.
Karuhanga called for peaceful elections.
“My general expectation is that we could have a free and fair election , peaceful and balanced. Elections are seasonal. This country will remain called Uganda. Let’s not kill each other over an election. What we need is to deal with the challenges we are facing as Ugandans.”
As new faces from UPC, NUP, PFF, and ANT prepare to challenge NRM incumbents in constituencies like Rushenyi, Ruhama, Kajara, Ruhama East, and Ntungamo Municipality, the battle lines are clearly drawn. While opposition parties accuse the ruling party of intimidation and manipulation, analysts warn that NRM’s deep-rooted support in most parts of the district remains formidable.
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