By Johnson KANYESIGE
Twelve incumbent Hoima East division councilors have been declared unopposed after the conclusion of the Saturday National Resistance Movement (NRM) lower local government elections in Hoima City.
The councilors who include the division Speaker Lawrence Katwesige, also the male councilor for Nyakambugu ward were declared by Ms. Sarah Kobusinge, the City party registrar as unopposed ahead of the 2026 general elections.
Among the councilors now unopposed include those under the special interest groups (SIGs). These are John Balijuka and Mate Gladys, the male and female councilors for the elderly while James Akugizibwe, a male councilor representing persons with disabilities for the division is also unopposed ahead of the general elections.
Other councilors include Alice Nyangoma Midius, the female councilor for Kichwamba ward and current Deputy Mayor for the division, Scovia Mary Alinaitwe- Kyentale ward, Dema Gabriel-male councilor for Central ward, Abubakar Busobozi-male councilor Northern Ward, Mary Byeitima Brima-female councilor Northern Ward, Sunday Balya-male councilor Kichwamba ward, Grace Businge-female councilor Southern ward, Mathew Musinguzi-male councilor Southern ward and Lawrence Katwesige-male councilor Nyakambugu ward. Meanwhile Dorothy Aliguma in her first attempt to serve in the division was also declared unopposed securing the flag for female councillor representing Central ward.
Speaking to Spice FM, after being declared unopposed, some of the incumbent councilors attributed the success to their close connection with the voters and expressed their appreciation to them (voters) for maintaining their faith in them. They ruled out buying off their competitors in order to remain unopposed in their various areas of representation.
Lawrence Katwesige, the division speaker Hoima East division disclosed that, as division leaders, they have worked as a team while exhibiting a high level of unity during this ending term of office which he says has earned them trust among the NRM voters.
Sarah Kobusinge, the NRM party registrar in Hoima City has clarified on the matter of many unopposed councilors in the division saying some aspirants were rejected due to lack of requirements for nomination while others sat on the round table and reached an agreement with their competitors, dismissing claims that she rejected some candidates from contesting.
Relatedly,
The Electoral Commission of the National Resistance Movement in Hoima City has announced the results for the elections for lower local government elections conducted yesterday in Hoima West division indicating victories registered by two practicing journalists while four other councilors being declared unopposed.
The two journalists according to the results announced by Ms. Sarah Kobusinge the city party registrar are Vincent Kyaterekera also known Makerere Duncan Nyakunyaku and Nelson Byamukama also known as Whisker Omwikazi who all practice journalism with local media stations.
Kyeterekera garnered 301 votes overcoming stiff competition from his closest rival Buruhan Akugizibwe who polled 272 votes and was eventually declared flag bearer for male councilor-Kibingo ward. Patrick Babyesiza, a third contestant obtained 145 votes.
Nelson Byamukama, the incumbent Bujura ward councilor secured victory for the flag by the skin of his teeth obtaining 232 votes. He beat off competition from his rival Ronald Kemigisa who obtained 221 votes. The third contestant Ben Mbabazi got 62 votes only.
Others who secure the flag in Saturday’s elections in Hoima West division include Justus Mukiibi-Kihomboza ward, Anatole Bukyanagandi-Kiduma ward, Karole Abigaba-Western Ward, Nicholas Bagire-Kihukya ward, Johnson Isingoma-Karongo ward and Leonard Atugonza-Kasingo ward. Margret Ruhigwa was also declared winner of the flag as female councilor for Bujura and Karongo wards.
Some of the flag bearer winners who spoke to Spice FM after being confirmed by the party committed to improving service delivery in the division once they secure final victories in the upcoming 2026 elections.
Meanwhile, those who were declared unopposed in the division include Edward Ayesiga –male councilor Kyesiga ward and currently serving as Speaker Hoima west division council, Janepher Barongo-female councilor Kiduma ward, Sarah Kobusinge Balikenda female councilor Western ward and Justine Tweheyo-female councilor Kihomboza ward
