Kabugho Merylyn Vows To Champion Kasese’s Marginalized After Securing NRM Nomination

By Gad Masereka

The energy was palpable as Hon. Kabugho Merylyn addressed supporters and journalists shortly after her official nomination at the NRM Electoral Commission in Kampala.

Her voice carried both conviction and urgency as she spoke about the disparities faced by women, youth, and children in Kasese District—a region she believes has long been sidelined in service delivery.

“We feel cheated,” she said, her tone sharp with frustration. “In other districts—Mbarara, Nyabushozi, Masaka, Ssembabule—women leaders have brought services closer to the people. But here, many don’t even understand why this parliamentary position exists.”

Her decision to run, she explained, was born out of necessity. Having witnessed firsthand the gaps in healthcare, education, and advocacy for vulnerable groups, she positioned herself as a bridge between the government and the grassroots.

“With my lobbying skills, my connections, and my down-to-earth approach, I will work for the people, with the people,” she emphasized, repeating the phrase for weight. “The children have no voice in Parliament. The youth need representation. As a mother, Mama Kasese I will be that voice.”

Her appeal to voters was both personal and political. She thanked her task force, supporters, and prayer warriors with visible emotion, then turned to those who had not backed her in previous elections.

“This time, we cannot afford to make the same mistakes,” she urged. “The people have spoken, and together, we will move forward—not just for 2026, but for 2031 and beyond.”

The road ahead remains challenging, but Kabugho’s message was clear: Kasese’s women, youth, and marginalized groups will no longer be an afterthought.

It should be noted that, during the 2021 elections, the National Resistance Movement-NRM party Elections Dispute Tribunal overturned the declaration of Mary Marylyn Kabugho as the Kasese Woman parliamentary candidate.

The party commission instead declared Sarah Ithungu Masereka Baleke as the winner of the primary election held last month. The decision stems from an application filed by Baleke citing flawed primary elections.

Amon Mbusa, the Kasese NRM District registrar had earlier on announced Kabugho as the winner with 40,791 votes against Baleke’s 40,465 votes.

However, few days later, Dr. Tanga Odoi, the NRM Electoral Commission Chairperson overturned the previous polls and declared Baleke as the winner of the party flag with 41,719 against Kabugho’s 41,130.