By Jamillah Kemigisa
In a show of overwhelming support from grassroots voters, Rugumayo Edson has won the NRM primary elections for the Ntoroko Area Member of Parliament seat, defeating his sole opponent, Rwemuikiya Gerald Ibanda, with a commanding 63% of the total vote.
The results were officially declared on Friday, July 18, 2025, by Mr. Irumba Tabassi Nicholas, the NRM Electoral Commission Returning Officer for Ntoroko District. Rugumayo garnered 15,015 votes out of a total of 23,854 cast, while Rwemuikiya secured 8,839 votes, amounting to 37%.
“I therefore declare Hon. Rugumayo Edson, who has polled the highest number of votes, 15,015 representing 63%, as the duly elected NRM flagbearer for Ntoroko Area Member of Parliament, 2025,” read the signed and stamped declaration.
The announcement was made in a document validated by the NRM District Registrar and the Electoral Commission and marked at 05:10 AM in Ntoroko.
Rugumayo’s landslide win solidifies his position as a dominant political force in the region and gives him strong momentum heading into the 2026 general elections. His victory is also seen as a reflection of the electorate’s desire for change, youth-centered development, and renewed leadership.
The NRM party has continued to roll out its primaries across Uganda under the supervision of the national electoral commission headquartered on Kyadondo Road, Kampala. Party chairperson Dr. Tanga Odoi has emphasized transparency, rule of law, and discipline throughout the process.
Ntoroko District, one of Uganda’s youngest districts located in the Tooro sub-region, has long been a stronghold of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM). However, political tides have been shifting, with voters increasingly demanding accountability and tangible service delivery from their leaders.
Rugumayo Edson, a well-known community organizer and development advocate, entered the NRM primary race on a campaign rooted in transformation, youth empowerment, and infrastructure improvement. His message strongly resonated with voters in both rural and town council areas.
His rival, Rwemuikiya Gerald Ibanda, a recognizable political figure in the district, hoped to mount a serious challenge but failed to overcome Rugumayo’s widespread support.
The NRM Electoral Commission, under the stewardship of Dr. Tanga Odoi, has maintained that the primaries are being conducted under strict guidelines to ensure fairness and credibility across the country.
With Rugumayo now holding the NRM flag for Ntoroko, attention shifts to the 2026 general elections, where he will face off with opposition and independent candidates in what is expected to be a highly contested parliamentary race.
