The recently concluded National Resistance Movement (NRM) party primaries have dealt a significant blow to several serving ministers, with a number of them losing their bids to retain party flags in their respective constituencies.
Despite holding high-ranking positions in the current cabinet, the ministers were overwhelmingly rejected at the grassroots level—an outcome that points to potential shifts in political loyalty, growing dissatisfaction on the ground, or the emergence of stronger local contenders.
The primaries, marked by intense competition and, in some areas, deadly violence, resulted in injuries and reported fatalities during the campaign period.
Among the key ministers who lost their party tickets are:
David Bahati, State Minister for Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives – Industry (Ndorwa West)
Musa Ecweru, Minister for Relief, Disaster Preparedness, and Refugees (Amuria County)
Ngobi Gume Fredrick, State Minister for Cooperatives (Bulamogi North West)
Dr. Joyce Moriku Kaducu, State Minister for Primary Education (Moyo District Woman MP)
Victoria Rusoke Businge, Minister of State for Local Government (Kabarole District Woman MP)
Peace Mutuuzo, Minister for Gender, Labour, and Social Development (Bunyangabu District Woman MP)
Rose Lilly Akello, Minister of State for Ethics and Integrity (Ndorwa West)
The outcome means these ministers are unlikely to contest in the 2026 general elections under the NRM banner unless they choose to run as independents—a move that would defy party protocol.
However, all is not yet settled. The NRM’s electoral tribunal has opened a petition window for candidates seeking to contest the results. It remains to be seen whether the affected ministers will explore this avenue or chart independent paths moving forward.
