Uganda’s opposition party, the National Unity Platform (NUP) suffered a major setback in the just concluded general elections, losing at least 23 parliamentary seats across the Buganda region, according to results from the Electoral Commission.
The seats, which NUP had swept during the 2021 general elections, have now been won back largely by candidates from the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) or by independents widely viewed as NRM-leaning, signalling a significant political shift in the region.
Buganda had been considered NUP’s political stronghold after the party’s strong performance five years ago, when it rode on a wave of youth support and urban voter mobilisation.
However, the latest results suggest a reversal of fortunes, with the NRM regaining lost ground through a combination of party flag bearers and allied independents.
NRM officials have attributed the comeback to intensified grassroots mobilisation, renewed engagement with local leaders, and government programmes targeting household incomes, infrastructure, and service delivery.
Party insiders say lessons drawn from the 2021 defeat in Buganda informed a more coordinated and locally tailored campaign strategy this time round.
On the other hand, NUP leaders have acknowledged losses in several constituencies but insist the party remains a formidable force in the region. Some within the opposition have blamed the defeats on internal party divisions, candidate selection disputes.
Political analysts note that the loss of more than 20 seats in one region alone is a significant blow to NUP’s parliamentary strength and could alter the balance of power in the 11th Parliament.
The gains also consolidate NRM’s legislative dominance as it begins a new term following President Yoweri Museveni’s re-election.
The Electoral Commission is expected to release final, comprehensive parliamentary results in the coming days, which will confirm the exact number of seats lost and gained by each party nationwide.
