Uganda’s 2026 general elections delivered a dramatic verdict for several high-profile politicians, including veteran legislators and influential cabinet ministers, as voters across the country rejected established figures and chose fresh representation. The election results revealed deep political shifts beyond Kampala, with several long-serving MPs and senior legislators losing their seats, a sign of growing voter […]
Uganda’s 2026 general elections delivered a dramatic verdict for several high-profile politicians, including veteran legislators and influential cabinet ministers, as voters across the country rejected established figures and chose fresh representation.
The election results revealed deep political shifts beyond Kampala, with several long-serving MPs and senior legislators losing their seats, a sign of growing voter appetite for change and accountability.
Among the biggest parliamentary losers were Abdu Katuntu of Bugweri County, who was defeated by independent candidate Sadala Wandera Stella Nankwanga, and Racheal Magoola Medard Ssegona of Busiro East, who lost to Emmanuel Magoola, a NUP-aligned independent, while Geofrey Lutaaya of Kakuuto was unseated ,NUP’s Patrick Kuteesa took over Kimanya- Kabonera from Abed Bwanika, and Goretti Namugga of Mawogola County lost to NRMs Dez Oswaldo Byuma, Barnabas Tinkasimire the Buyaga West MP was also thrown out.
The parliamentary defeat of Mathias Mpuuga in Nyendo–Mukungwe, who was beaten by NUP’s Lubowa Ssebina Gyaviira, and Lutamaguzi Ssemakula in Nakaseke South, who lost to NRM’s Charles Nsereko, while Asuman Basalirwa of Bugiri Municipality was also defeated by NRM’s Francis Oketcho, Buhweju County MP Francis Twijukye lost his seat, Lwemiyaga County’s Theodore Ssekikubo also lost to Emmannuel Rwashande.
Other high-profile legislators also lost their seats, including Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda in Kira Municipality lost to NUP’s George Musisi, Muwanga Kivumbi lost in Butambala, Aisha Kabanda, the Butambala Woman MP, and Joyce Bagala, the Mityana Woman MP Among the veteran politicians who lost her seat in this election was Sarah Achieng Opendi, the Tororo District Woman Member of Parliament and a former minister within President Museveni’s government. Opendi, a seasoned politician, had been an influential figure both in cabinet and in Tororo politics lost to young advocate Akoth Angela. Although she had previously secured the NRM party flag for the 2026 contest, her campaign fell short of retaining parliamentary representation, with her constituency electing a new member.
Political analysts note that it is rare for sitting ministers with strong party backing to lose at this scale, underscoring voter desire for new voices across regions.
The election was also notable for its impact on President Yoweri Museveni’s Cabinet. At least ten senior ministers and government officials lost their parliamentary bids.
Key ministers who were defeated include Government Chief Whip and NRM Vice Chairperson for Northern Uganda, Hamson Obua, who lost the Ajuri County seat to Fred Jalameso of UPC, and David Bahati, State Minister for Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, who lost the Ndorwa West County seat after failing to secure the NRM ticket and running as an independent.
Beatrice Anywar, State Minister for Environment, was defeated in Kitgum Municipality, a major upset in northern Uganda politics, while Henry Okello Oryem, long-serving State Minister for Foreign Affairs (International Affairs), lost in Chwa County, and Joyce Moriku Kaducu, State Minister for Primary Education, was voted out in the Moyo District Woman MP race, losing to Benedetta Chandia Kodili, the NRM flag bearer.
Other ministerial losses include Frederick Ngobi Gume, State Minister for Cooperatives, who lost in Bulamogi North West, Kaliro District, Florence Nambozo Wamala, State Minister for Karamoja Affairs, who was defeated in the Sironko District Woman MP race, Peter Lokeris, Minister for Karamoja Affairs, who lost the Chekwii East County seat, and John Mulimba, State Minister for Foreign Affairs (Regional Affairs), who was voted out in Samia Bugwe North.
Hellen Adoa, State Minister for Fisheries, was defeated in the Serere District Woman MP race by independent Esther Lucy Acom, while a particularly unusual result saw Betty Amongi, Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development, lose her bid in the Lira City Woman MP contest to fellow minister Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng.
Observers say the ministerial and veteran MP defeats reflect a broader message from voters who are dissatisfied with long terms in office, uneven development outcomes, rising cost-of-living pressures, and a desire for stronger local representation.
“The defeats of several senior government ministers and prominent legislators show a growing disconnect between executive power and grassroots political sentiment,” said one political analyst, “Even powerful figures with national profiles are no longer immune to voter judgment at the constituency level.” he added
