By Jamillah Kemigisa
The Electoral Commission has kicked off nominations for local government elections in Bunyangabu District, drawing an overwhelming turnout of aspirants on the opening day.
District Returning Officer Niwamanya David confirmed that the exercise began on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, with a large number of hopefuls, particularly for district councillor seats. More than 50 aspirants were successfully nominated for councillorship positions on day one.
“So far, we have received only one nomination for the district chairperson seat, and that is James Ategeka Mugarama. The exercise was peaceful with no chaos or complaints, although we faced some technical hitches around midday. Luckily, the Electoral Commission’s IT team quickly resolved the issue and the process continued smoothly,” Niwamanya told journalists.
He urged aspiring candidates not to wait until the deadline.
“The nomination exercise runs until Friday, September 5, at 5:00 pm. We encourage all interested candidates to come early so they don’t risk being locked out,” he added.
Among those cleared was Twesigye Godfrey, the NRM flag bearer for Rwimi Town Council and NRM media mobiliser for Western Uganda. He praised the professionalism of the EC officials.
“The staff were very supportive, guiding aspirants through the process. Even in cases where photos were taken incorrectly—like one ear not showing—candidates were advised to correct and return in time. The process was smooth,” Twesigye said.
In a twist, James Ategeka Mugarama, the former LC5 chairperson, returned to reclaim his seat. Mugarama, who recently lost the NRM primaries for Member of Parliament, is now contesting as an independent candidate.
Speaking after his nomination, he explained his comeback:
“I have returned not as an NRM candidate but as an independent. I want to finish what I started,” he said.
The race is expected to intensify as more candidates submit their papers before Friday’s deadline.
Bunyangabu District, carved out of Kabarole in 2017, has become a political battleground in western Uganda, with the LC5 seat often attracting fierce competition. Mugarama, the district’s inaugural chairperson, has long been a central figure in its politics. After his failed parliamentary bid, his return to grassroots politics is seen by some observers as a strategy to remain politically relevant.
While the NRM remains dominant in Bunyangabu, growing divisions and the rise of independents—often after losses in party primaries—are reshaping local dynamics. Analysts believe the 2025 nominations will not only redefine Bunyangabu’s political balance but could also signal how independents will fare against the ruling party in the upcoming general elections.
