KAMPALA, Uganda — Anger, apathy and quiet acceptance played out side by side in parts of Nakawa Division East on Saturday, reflecting a complex public mood in Kampala following Uganda’s 2026 general elections and the announcement of parliamentary results that saw the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) regain ground in the capital.
In Nakawa East, former Deputy Attorney General Fred Ruhindi of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) was declared the winner after defeating National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate Alex Waisswa Mufumbiro, who remains in detention. According to results released by the Electoral Commission (EC), Ruhindi secured more than 18,000 votes, compared with Mufumbiro’s tally of just over 15,000.
Yet a tour of the division by Vivid Voice News found that for many residents, politics appeared distant from the rhythms of daily life. In Mutungo, Biina and Bugolobi, people were seen running shops, playing cards, chatting on verandas or quietly observing the afternoon. Radios and televisions were largely unattended, even as national results continued to be announced.
In some areas, young people appeared more engaged with the English Premier League than the election outcome. At BAL Restaurant, reportedly owned by Nakawa East MP Ronald Balimwezo, a handful of patrons watched a Manchester derby between Manchester City and Manchester United, while others scrolled through their phones or watched films, with little discussion of politics.
Several boda boda riders and street vendors told Vivid Voice News they felt disconnected from Mufumbiro’s campaign, claiming he did not have deep roots in the constituency. Acting on their directions, our reporters visited premises near Mivule Primary School said to be linked to the NUP candidate. Campaign posters of President Yoweri Museveni were visible both inside and outside the gate.
Security personnel at the premises said Mufumbiro’s family was not present. Tenants in the compound questioned opposition claims of electoral theft and criticised what they described as a culture of entitlement.
“Does Museveni abuse people? The opposition should stop bossing around,” one tenant said.
They added that Mufumbiro had lived in the area for less than six months, having moved in around the nomination period, raising broader questions about whether candidates deliberately target constituencies shortly before elections.
Elsewhere in Nakawa East, frustration simmered beneath the surface. In Kitintale, a boda boda rider who asked not to be named for fear of reprisals said that while President Museveni’s presidential victory appeared legitimate, parliamentary races had not been conducted on a level playing field.
“Let us speak the whole truth. Museveni has won genuinely, but he reportedly used his influence to help MPs rig victories, especially in favour of Ruhindi. This world is very small,” the rider said.
He warned that Uganda was sliding into what he described as state capture, arguing that the consequences of current political practices would be felt by future generations.
Others adopted a more pragmatic tone. Umaru Mugambe said he was satisfied with the presidential outcome and was more concerned about the restoration of internet services, which had been disrupted during the election period.
“The person I voted for has won, and not everyone can win,” Mugambe said, adding that he had no proof the election was rigged.
Nicholas Mukuru, a resident of Biina, echoed that sentiment, saying his priority was earning a living rather than disputing political outcomes.
“As long as I can still use my hands to work and fend for my family, I cannot challenge any election results,” Mukuru said, adding that political confrontation often brought unnecessary trouble. Asked about Ruhindi’s victory, he shrugged: “My chapati stall will remain intact.”
In Mbuya, boda boda riders told Vivid Voice News that morale was low, noting that candidates they supported had failed to secure victory.
A changing political map in Kampala
The mixed reactions in Nakawa mirror a broader political shift across Kampala. Unlike previous general elections in which the National Unity Platform (NUP) swept all parliamentary seats in the capital, the 2026 polls have produced a markedly different outcome.
The ruling NRM mounted an unexpected comeback, winning three of Kampala’s ten parliamentary seats and signalling a rebalancing of political power in the city.
In Kampala Central, Minister for Kampala Minsa Kabanda defeated NUP Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya, retaining the seat for the ruling party.
In Kawempe South, Madina Nsereko overcame Fred Nyanzi Ssentamu, a brother of NUP leader Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine.
Nakawa East completed the trio of NRM gains, with Ruhindi’s victory over Mufumbiro reinforcing the party’s renewed foothold in the capital.
Despite these setbacks, NUP retained a majority of Kampala’s seats. In Nakawa West, Leader of Opposition (LoP) Joel Ssenyonyi comfortably defended his seat, defeating eight challengers. He polled 21,765 votes, well ahead of NRM’s Anderson Burora, who secured 9,586 votes.
Also Read: How Uganda’s MPs are shaping the 2026 election: The regional power map
Declaring the results, Returning Officer Rashid Hasakya said:
“Accordingly, as Returning Officer for Kampala Electoral District and in accordance with Section 77(1) of the Parliamentary Elections Act, Cap 177, I declare Ssenyonyi Joel Besekezi, who has obtained the largest number of votes, to be the elected candidate for Nakawa Division West Constituency.”
Ssenyonyi, however, alleged electoral irregularities in Nakawa West and claimed that his colleague Mufumbiro had been cheated in Nakawa East.
Elsewhere in the city, NUP’s Elias Nalukoola Luyimbazi retained Kawempe North, defeating NRM’s Faridah Nambi.
In Rubaga, the Electoral Commission (EC) declared Abubakar Kawalya and KCCA Speaker Zahara Luyirika winners, while Shamim Malende was confirmed as Kampala Woman Member of Parliament (MP).
President Museveni has previously blamed Kampala’s poor service delivery on opposition-dominated leadership, arguing that opposition MPs fail to effectively lobby government on behalf of residents.
With the NRM now reclaiming a presence in the capital, the elections have reopened debate over whether political alignment with central government will translate into tangible improvements in service delivery.
For many residents in Nakawa and beyond, however, the immediate concern remains survival, keeping businesses running, restoring internet access, and navigating daily life in a city where politics often feels distant from everyday realities.
