Namuganza Cites Witch-hunt, Launches Independent Bid for 2026

State Minister and current Bukono County MP Hon. Princess Persis Namuganza has officially declared her intention to run as an independent candidate in the upcoming 2026 general elections, accusing the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) Electoral Commission of orchestrating a calculated plan to frustrate her political career.

Namuganza, a longstanding member of the NRM and vocal government figure, has outed an election campaign poster, under the slogan “Okulwo obukono Obutebenkevu.”

She pointed fingers at the NRM Electoral Commission, accusing it of working behind the scenes to edge her out of the race.

“There is a deliberate attempt by some individuals within the party to destroy me. What is happening in Namutumba is not by accident, it is a well-coordinated witch-hunt,” Namuganza charged.

She cited her 2019 censure motion in Parliament and the recent public reconciliation with First Deputy Prime Minister Rebecca Kadaga as major sources of internal friction that have reignited resistance to her continued political rise. The fallout, she says, has left her with no choice but to chart an independent path.

“Instead of promoting unity, some elements have chosen to revive old grudges. My decision to reconcile with Rt. Hon. Kadaga was for the good of the party and the country. But instead, it’s now being used as ammunition against me,” Namuganza said.

The fiery legislator, also known as Maama Bukono, has long been a polarizing figure within the NRM.

President Yoweri Museveni has issued a series of statements on the aftermath of the NRM Primaries, in the latest saying mistakes were made by the party EC top boss.

Her independent bid is likely to test the loyalty of her grassroots base and could signal deeper cracks within the NRM’s local machinery.

Namuganza’s decision comes at a time when the NRM is finalizing internal polls ahead of the 2026 elections.

The party has not yet issued a formal response to her latest move.

Political observers say Namuganza’s independent run could significantly shake up the Bukono race, especially given her incumbency and history of mobilizing strong support in the region.

The last time she took a similar decision, Namuganza won comfortably.

All eyes will be on Namutumba to see whether Namuganza’s bold gamble pays off, or marks the beginning of the end of a turbulent political chapter.