MASAKA – Thousands of National Resistance Movement (NRM) supporters in Masaka City have congratulated President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on his resounding victory in the January 15, 2026, general elections, securing a seventh term with 71.65% of the national vote.
Celebrations erupted across the city since Saturday night, with parades and gatherings highlighting the party’s improved performance in the region.
Led by NRM Masaka City Chairman Rogers Bulegeya and Hajjat Sarah Kiyimba, vice chairperson of the Greater Masaka Business Community and owner of Brovad Hotel, local leaders praised Museveni’s leadership. “I want to congratulate His Excellency Yoweri Museveni for emerging victorious. He deserved the victory for developing the country,” said Bulegeya.
Kiyimba echoed the sentiment: “I am happy for Muzeeyi. He deservedly won the elections.” She highlighted the party’s mobilization efforts and invested over USh 50 million in campaigns, including feeding supporters daily.
Masaka City saw NRM’s presidential vote share rise to over 38% from 21% in 2021, amid challenges like malfunctioning biometric voting machines due to internet outages.
Nationally, Museveni defeated main rival Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine) of the National Unity Platform (NUP), who garnered 24.72% and rejected the results as rigged, alleging voter intimidation and calling for peaceful protests. Police denied reports of Wine’s house arrest, while international observers noted irregularities.
In parliamentary races, NRM expanded its seats in Greater Masaka from 7 to 17. However, NUP claimed victories, including Rose Nalubowa as Masaka City Woman MP with 25,443 votes over NRM’s Justine Nameere (20,324). NUP’s Patrick Kuteesa won Kimanya-Kabonera, defeating NRM’s Robert Assimwe, while former NUP MP Mathias Mpuuga lost to party colleague Gyaviira Ssebiiba in Nyendo-Mukungwe.
Leaders attributed NRM’s gains to infrastructure projects like tarmacked roads, the Parish Development Model (allocating USh 7 billion locally), and youth initiatives like Emyooga. Resident City Commissioner Ahamada Washaki credited security under Major General Deus Sande and media outreach for boosting support.
Youth leaders like NRM’s Numba Katumba praised Museveni’s programs: “I thank the support during the campaign; Emyooga and PDM boosted our businesses.”
Emerging mobilizers, including Radio Buddu Director Ronald Segawa, invested USh 70 million in village campaigns.
As celebrations continue, opposition figures warn of escalating tensions, with reports of violence during vote counting.
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