Kabale, Uganda — Former Member of Parliament Andrew Aja Baryayanga has staged a powerful political return after clinching the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party flag for the Kabale Municipality parliamentary seat in a decisive primary election held this week.
According to official results released by the NRM electoral commission, Baryayanga garnered an overwhelming 10,245 votes, representing 60.7% of the total ballots cast. He was followed by Sheikh Khasim Kamugisha who received 4,132 votes (24.47%), while Byamungu Michael Turyamureba came third with 1,745 votes (10.3%). Other contenders, Byarugaba Steven and Mutebile Joseph Ntegyerize, trailed with 532 votes (3.1%) and 288 votes (1.7%) respectively.
In his post-election address to supporters, Baryayanga expressed gratitude to the people of Kabale for what he called a “vote of confidence,” pledging to serve with fairness and inclusivity.
“I am committed to serving every citizen of Kabale Municipality equally and without discrimination—regardless of religion, ethnicity, or political affiliation,” he declared.
Displaying a reconciliatory tone, Baryayanga extended an olive branch to his opponents, publicly shaking hands with Byamungu Michael and calling for party unity ahead of the 2026 general elections.
“We are all members of the same party. This is the time to come together and build, not divide,” he emphasized.
Baryayanga previously served as an independent Member of Parliament for Kabale Municipality but now returns to the political spotlight under the NRM umbrella, signaling a notable shift in the area’s political dynamics. His commanding win repositions him as a key contender to reclaim the parliamentary seat in the upcoming national polls.
Political observers say Baryayanga’s reentry into the race on the NRM ticket could galvanize the ruling party’s support base in the municipality and reshape local alliances.
The victory marks not only a personal triumph for Baryayanga but also a moment of strategic importance for the NRM as it looks to consolidate its hold in urban constituencies like Kabale Municipality.
