Five Aspirants From Kasese Pick Nomination Forms for 2025 NRM Primaries Parliamentary Race on Day One at Kyadondo NRM Electoral Commission Office 

By Hason Mutunzi Bwambale 

Kampala  — June 3, 2025 — At least five aspirants eyeing the position of directly elected Members of Parliament yesterday picked their Expression of Interest and Nomination forms, signaling the start of what is expected to be a heated 2026 parliamentary race in Kasese District.

The day’s activities began around 10 a.m. with the arrival of Dr. Kiyonga Chrispus, a veteran politician and former minister, who recently lost the NRM District Chairperson seat to Amb. James Mbahimba. Dr. Kiyonga, known for his calm demeanor and seasoned political background, quietly walked into the Electoral Commission’s verification tent and collected his forms without addressing the media.

“Sometimes you don’t need to say much; the people already know your record,” a close aide to Dr. Kiyonga remarked, requesting anonymity. “He believes in action, not words.”

Following shortly was Sarah Ithungu Baleke, a determined aspirant running for the Kasese District Woman MP seat. Clad in a fluorescent dress , Ithungu radiated confidence as she privately had an interview with this publication after picking her forms.

“I am here because the women and youth of Kasese deserve a stronger voice in Parliament,” she said. “My campaign is not just about replacing someone — it’s about raising the standard of leadership and service.”

Among other notable aspirants who picked nomination forms was Edwin Kugonza Bairinga, who openly declared his intention to challenge incumbent FDC MP Harold Tony.

“I respect Hon. Tony for his service, but it’s time for fresh ideas. We need to bring integrity, development, and real representation to our people,” Kugonza told reporters.

Also joining the fray was Bakoko Jackson alias Mwinyesho, whose bid has stirred local debate given his personal connection to the incumbent Kasese Municipality MP Ferigo Kambale — his in-law.

“I understand people are talking,” Bakoko said, brushing off questions about family tensions. “But this isn’t personal. It’s political. And my loyalty lies with the people of Kasese Municipality.”

The final aspirant to pick his forms today was Manshimwe Leonard , also seeking to represent Kasese Municipality. Speaking passionately about unemployment and service delivery, Manshimwe noted, “The youth are tired of promises. They need jobs, access to health care, and accountable leadership. That’s what I stand for.”

National Political Figures Grace Day One

The first day of the nomination exercise also saw appearances by top national leaders, underlining the high stakes of the upcoming elections. Vice President Jessica Alupo, Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among, Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, and Prime Minister Robina Nabbanja were among the prominent figures seen at the venue.

Speaker Among, addressing reporters briefly, said, “We are witnessing democracy in motion. Let every aspirant compete fairly and let the people decide who best represents them.”

The picking of nomination forms  exercise continues throughout the week and will end on 16th July,2025 , with more aspirants expected to pick forms and begin the rigorous verification process ahead of the primaries scheduled to take place on July 17th for directly elected members of Parliament.