The nomination exercise for Member of Parliament and District Woman Members of Parliament has officially commenced across the country, drawing hundreds of aspiring candidates to their respective district Electoral Commission offices.
The two-day exercise marks a significant step ahead of the 2026 general elections, with several political figures expressing confidence in their manifesto and pledging address the pressing needs of their constituencies.
In Kanungu District, the nomination exercise attracted notable political figures, including the incumbent MP for Kinkizi East Constituency Hon Dr Chris Baryomunsi who was successfully nominated.
Dr Baryomunsi who also serves as the Minister of ICT and National Guidance, pledged to continue his efforts in improving the districts road network, enhancing service delivery and empowering youth and women groups
His main challenger Eng Sam Arinaitwe Kajojo who lost to Dr Baryomunsi and returned as independent was also nominated and used the occasion to express his dissatisfaction with the incumbent’s performance and promised that once elected, he would fullfil the unaccomplished projects and ensure equitable development across all parts of Kinkizi East.
Another contender in the same race MS Ruth Karungi Tukahiirwa an independent candidate who never participated in parry primaries but is NRM leanig emphasized transparency, good governance and inclusive leadership as key pillars of his campaign agenda once elected.
In Kinkizi West Constituency, the nomination exercise also saw spirited participation,with John Ngaruye Ndungutse and Safari Christopher both who lost in NRM primaries expressing optimism about their chances to serve the people and bring about change through improved infrastructure, education and agricultural productivity.
Brian Atuhaire Batenda representing People’s Front for Freedom ((PFF) contesting in Kinkizi West was the only opposition party candidate who was nominated during the exercise presided over by Kanungu District Electoral Commission Returning Officer David Mukundane.
On the side of the Woman Member of Parliament seat for Kanungu District, several candidates were also nominated and among them is Counsel Esther Majambere who lost in NRM primaries returned as an independent candidate pledged to champion education by advocating for better pay for teachers and improving learning facilities.
She will face competition from NRM flagbearer Betty Kataba Mutabazi, the NRM party flag bearer and the incumbent MP Kinshaba Patience Nkunda who also returned as independent candidates and all of whom vowed to prioritize women empowerment, health care and social development.
According to Kigezi Regional Police Spokesman Elly Maate the nomination exercise across Uganda has so far proceeded peacefully with the Electoral Commission urging candidates maintain calm and follow the set campaign guidelines as the country prepares for a heated but democratic electoral season.
After the nomination all candidates moved in long convoys around their constituencies and later addressed rallies at designated venues while Dr Baryomunsi dedicated the day to cleaning Kanungu Town Council streets together with his supporters.
