FULL REPORT: Jonard Topples Baryomunsi as CEC Polls Deliver Political Bloodbath

Uganda’s ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) Delegates Conference has dramatically reshaped the party’s top leadership after a series of bruising contests that left several political heavyweights out in what many delegates have described as a “CEC bloodbath.”

In one of the most closely watched battles, Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among delivered a stunning blow to former Speaker Rebecca Kadaga, clinching the position of second Vice National Chairperson (Female).

Among polled 11680 votes against Kadaga’s 902.

The result indicated Among’s growing clout within the ruling party and marked a dramatic fall for Kadaga, who has held the seat since leaving the speakership.

In the Western Region, youthful contender Eng Jonard Asiimwe Akiiki swept to victory, defeating incumbent Dr. Chris Baryomunsi in what analysts have called the biggest upset of the day. Asiimwe’s victory is seen as a generational shift, with delegates rallying behind his grassroots mobilization drive over Baryomunsi’s established profile.

The Eastern Region also witnessed a dramatic twist when longtime incumbent Capt. Mike Mukula unexpectedly pulled out of the race, paving the way for Calvin Echodu to win the seat unopposed.

Mukula’s withdrawal ended his long tenure on the CEC and set the pace for a quiet passing of the torch to new leadership in the east.

In Buganda, State Minister for Microfinance Haruna Kasolo emerged victorious after defeating Kalangwa Moses.

The contest, which had initially attracted several contenders, narrowed into a fierce head-to-head battle that Kasolo ultimately won with strong backing from grassroots delegates.

Another major upset came in Kampala, where Uhuru Salim beat businessman-politician Singh Katongole, further adding to what delegates described as a rout of established figures by new and emerging voices.

With a total of 5,327 votes cast, Obua Denis Hamson emerged the clear winner and will now serve as the NRM Vice Chairperson for Northern Uganda. He beat Dan Kidega.

Night of Sweeping Change

The results have been described as a turning point in the NRM’s internal politics. “This is more than just an election—it’s a message that the party is refreshing itself for 2026,” said one delegate.

Haruna Kasolo

Observers note that the outcome highlights the waning influence of traditional power brokers and the rise of a younger, more aggressive generation of leaders eager to cement their place in the ruling party’s structures.

Beyond the contests, the conference also reaffirmed President Yoweri Museveni as the party’s National Chairman and endorsed him as the NRM’s flag bearer for the 2026 general elections, consolidating his position at the helm of the party.

With the sweeping changes, the NRM’s Central Executive Committee (CEC) enters a new phase, packed with fresh faces and shifting loyalties that will shape the party’s strategy heading into the next electoral cycle.