KAMPALA, Uganda — In a significant development for Uganda’s upcoming 2026 general elections, Agnes Kunihira Abwooli has been declared unopposed as the National Resistance Movement (NRM) flag bearer for the Female Workers’ Member of Parliament seat.
The announcement was made on Monday by Dr. Tanga Odoi, Chairperson of the NRM Electoral Commission (EC), at the party’s headquarters in Kampala.
Dr. Odoi confirmed that Kunihira’s sole challenger withdrew from the race, clearing the path for her unchallenged return.
With the close of the nomination period on the same day, Kunihira was officially affirmed as the party’s singular candidate for the position.
Following her declaration, Kunihira expressed gratitude, stating, “I thank the party and the workers who have continued to place their trust in me.”
She utilized the moment to outline her key policy priorities should she secure a second term, placing particular emphasis on the widening salary disparities between Arts and Science teachers.
“The ongoing strikes by Arts teachers are not political stunts; their grievances are real and rooted in inequality,” she asserted, expressing optimism that an upcoming meeting with President Yoweri Museveni would yield concrete solutions to the issue.
Kunihira also raised concerns about the increasing casualization of labor across Uganda, a trend that sees both skilled and unskilled workers increasingly engaged on short-term or informal contracts. She argued that this pattern erodes job security and worker dignity.
“We need to rethink employment in Uganda,” she emphasized. “People should not be qualified professionals by day and casual laborers by contract.”
Regarding legislative progress, Kunihira noted that the Employment Bill, already passed by Parliament, is currently awaiting presidential assent.
She urged the President to sign the bill into law, cautioning that further delays would only perpetuate the exploitation of Uganda’s workforce.
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Concerning the long-anticipated national minimum wage, Kunihira disclosed that the President has requested additional data. This has prompted plans for a detailed, sector-by-sector study to establish appropriate wage benchmarks across various industries.
As Kunihira secured her seat without a contest, other aspirants also arrived at the NRM Electoral Commission offices to seek nominations for diverse political positions.
Among them was veteran lawyer Dr. James Akampumuza Rutanga, who formally entered the competition for the Ndorwa East constituency in Kabale.
“I am here to serve,” Dr. Akampumuza told journalists after his nomination.