Massive Upset as Museveni Ministers Fall in NRM Primaries

By Uganda Today Political Desk | www.ugandatoday.co.ug | July 18, 2025

In a stunning political upset that has sent shockwaves through Uganda’s ruling party, several high-profile ministers in President Yoweri Museveni’s cabinet have lost their parliamentary seats in the just-concluded National Resistance Movement (NRM) party primaries held on Thursday, July 17, 2025.

Leading the pack of defeated ministers is Hon. David Bahati, the long-serving State Minister for Trade and Member of Parliament for Ndorwa West, whose defeat marks a symbolic blow to the President’s inner circle. Once a vocal economic defender of the NRM in Parliament and a key figure in the finance and trade sectors, Bahati’s loss signals voter fatigue with entrenched political figures.

Ministers Shown the Exit by Voters

Among other ministers who faced electoral rejection at the grassroots include:

• Hon. Peace Mutuuzo, State Minister for Gender and Woman MP for Bunyangabu District, lost to newcomer and youth activist Patience Kabahuma.

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• Hon. Victoria Rusoke Businge, the State Minister for Local Government and Woman MP for Kabarole District, lost her grip on the seat after a bitterly contested race.

• Hon. Fred Bwino Kyakulaga, State Minister for Agriculture, lost the Kigulu North flag to a relatively unknown agripreneur, signaling a shift toward more practical, hands-on leadership in agriculture.

• Hon. Godfrey Kabbyanga, State Minister for ICT and National Guidance, was edged out in Bukonzo West by a youthful digital entrepreneur, in what analysts describe as a demand for fresh ideas in Uganda’s digital transformation.

• Hon. Jennifer Namuyangu, State Minister for Bunyoro Affairs and Woman MP for Kibuku District, failed to retain party support, with voters citing detachment from community issues.

• Hon. Dr. Joyce Moriku Kaducu, State Minister for Primary Education, lost her bid to return as Woman MP for Moyo District in a tight contest shaped by accusations of neglecting education service delivery in rural schools.

• Hon. Rose Lilly Akello, State Minister for Ethics and Integrity, was defeated in Karenga District amid growing public frustration over moral policing perceived as politically selective.

• Hon. Fredrick Ngobi Gume, State Minister for Cooperatives, lost Bulamogi North West flag, with local SACCO leaders accusing him of failing to support cooperatives effectively.

• Hon. Musa Ecweru, Minister for Relief, Disaster Preparedness and Refugees, who has weathered multiple political storms in the past, finally succumbed to public discontent in Amuria County.

A Generational Shift in the NRM?

Observers say the primary results point to a major generational and ideological shift within the NRM party, where incumbency and ministerial status no longer guarantee electoral survival.

“These results are a loud message from the grassroots. People are tired of being lectured by elites who return to their constituencies only during election time,” remarked Dr. Sarah Mugisha, a political science lecturer.

Analysts argue that the NRM’s internal democracy is maturing, with voters punishing absenteeism, corruption allegations, and failure to deliver services.

What Next for the Fallen Ministers?

While some of the defeated ministers may pursue independent bids or seek appointment to non-elective positions, the majority are expected to either retire from active politics or regroup to challenge the outcomes through the party’s tribunal processes.

Insiders say President Museveni is expected to issue guidance on the fallout, as the primaries expose widening rifts and dissatisfaction within the party, despite his firm grip on national leadership.

The implications are far-reaching. With over ten ministers ejected by voters in a single day, the NRM leadership will be forced to rethink its candidate grooming strategies ahead of the 2026 general elections.

The Bigger Picture

This electoral purge mirrors the deepening demand for change across Uganda’s political spectrum. As the NRM gears up for 2026, these results may prompt a much-needed soul-searching within the party that has ruled Uganda for nearly four decades.

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