Burnet Mbabazi has clinched the National Resistance Movement (NRM) ticket for the Kikuube LC5 by-election after a competitive primary that saw high voter turnout across the district. According to official results released on May 22, 2026, Mbabazi secured 23,279 votes, representing 58% of the total votes cast.
The victory comes as the ruling party prepares for the June 18 by-election triggered by the tragic death of former district chairperson Peter Banura Araali in a road accident earlier this year. Kikuube, an oil-rich district in Western Uganda, has become a strategic political battleground.
High voter participation marked the NRM primary elections across Kikuube sub-counties and villages.
How Mbabazi Secured the NRM Ticket
The primaries were conducted village by village and sub-county by sub-county, allowing grassroots NRM members to directly choose their preferred candidate. Mbabazi’s strong showing demonstrated solid support across the district, particularly in key areas with high voter numbers.
In his acceptance speech, Mbabazi called for unity within the party and pledged to prioritize development projects if elected. He described the process as largely peaceful and urged all party members to rally behind the official flag bearer for the main contest.
Rival Paddy Kisembo Rejects Results
The declaration has not gone unchallenged. Mbabazi’s closest rival, Paddy Kisembo, immediately rejected the outcome, raising serious concerns over the conduct of the exercise in Buhimba and Kyangwali sub-counties. Kisembo claimed the announced figures did not reflect what actually transpired on the ground.
“We demand transparency,” Kisembo stated, calling for access to all tally sheets and an independent audit of the results. His rejection has exposed underlying tensions within NRM’s local structures in Kikuube.
Implications for the June 18 By-Election
With Mbabazi holding the NRM flag, attention now shifts to the official nomination process and full campaign period. The ruling party is expected to leverage its strong grassroots machinery to defend the seat. However, Kisembo’s threat to run as an independent could split votes and complicate the race.
Political observers note that this internal dispute could either strengthen party unity through reconciliation efforts or weaken NRM’s position if the rivalry escalates publicly.
The contested primary highlights intense competition for the influential LC5 position in oil-rich Kikuube
Why Kikuube LC5 Seat Matters
The LC5 chairperson position is one of the most powerful local government roles in Uganda, overseeing development projects, service delivery, and resource allocation. In Kikuube, the seat carries added significance due to the district’s emerging oil economy and strategic location.
The by-election is being closely watched as a litmus test for NRM’s cohesion ahead of future national elections.
Burnet Mbabazi’s victory in the NRM primary for Kikuube LC5 has set the stage for a potentially fiery by-election on June 18, 2026. While he enjoys strong party backing, the rejection by rival Paddy Kisembo introduces uncertainty and calls for greater transparency in the process. The coming weeks will reveal whether NRM can maintain unity or if internal divisions will shape the final outcome.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story. What are your thoughts on the Kikuube primary results? Share this article and join the conversation.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who won the NRM primary for Kikuube LC5?
Burnet Mbabazi won with 23,279 votes, representing 58% of the total votes cast.
2. When is the Kikuube LC5 by-election?
The by-election is scheduled for June 18, 2026.
3. Why did Paddy Kisembo reject the primary results?
He alleged irregularities in Buhimba and Kyangwali sub-counties and demanded access to tally documents for verification.
4. What triggered the Kikuube LC5 by-election?
The seat became vacant following the death of former chairperson Peter Banura Araali in a road accident.
5. Will Paddy Kisembo run as an independent candidate?
He has indicated he may pursue his ambitions independently, which could split the vote in the main election.
6. Why is the Kikuube LC5 seat politically important?
It is a powerful local leadership position in an oil-rich district with significant influence over development and resource management.
Article updated May 22, 2026. For official updates, refer to NRM party statements and Uganda Electoral Commission announcements.
