By Spy Uganda
The National Resistance Movement (NRM) has concluded key grassroots elections in western Uganda, ushering in new leadership in two strategic areas: Kabarole District and Fort Portal City.
In Kabarole District, Victoria Rusoke Businge was officially declared the new NRM District Chairperson after securing victory in a competitive race against rival candidate Richard Nyakana. The announcement was made on Friday, marking a significant political return for Rusoke, a former Commissioner at the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC).
While the election was hotly contested, party officials described the process as peaceful and successful, with a strong turnout from registered NRM members across the district. Rusoke is expected to play a key role in driving party mobilization and service delivery initiatives in the area ahead of the 2026 general elections.
In neighboring Fort Portal City, Claire Dorcus Kasande was elected NRM City Chairperson unopposed. Her name appeared as the sole candidate on the ballot during the NRM’s internal elections held on Thursday.
“This is not just a win for me, but a vote of confidence in the direction we are taking as a party in Fort Portal,” Kasande said after her confirmation.
Kasande’s uncontested victory signals strong unity within the city’s NRM structures and positions her as a central figure in shaping the party’s urban agenda. Known for her longstanding service within NRM political circles, she is expected to focus on strengthening grassroots organization, enhancing youth and women involvement, and ensuring smooth implementation of government programs in the city.
The two elections are part of a wider NRM effort to consolidate leadership across the country in preparation for the 2026 polls. While Kabarole saw healthy competition, Fort Portal City’s consensus-driven outcome reflects a dual strategy of both contest and coordination within the party’s ongoing restructuring process.
As both leaders assume their new roles, attention now turns to how they will steer the party’s agenda in their respective jurisdictions and contribute to national priorities under the NRM framework.
