Boycott defined the Ntungamo Municipality NRM primaries after four of the five aspirants withdrew from Friday's re-run in seven polling stations, leaving incumbent MP Yona Musinguzi to sail through as the party flag bearer.
The four aspirants said they would instead rally behind a strong independent candidate in the 2026 general elections, though they pledged to remain loyal to the NRM party.
By 10am, voters had begun turning up at polling stations in Cell 3, Cell 6, Cell 8, Cell 9, Nyabubare, Kinoni, and Nyakihanga, where their names were verified before casting ballots.
The atmosphere was celebratory, with Musinguzi's supporters singing and dancing, describing the vote as a "walkover victory" since no rival camps or posters were visible.
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NRM registrars at the stations emphasized that participation or withdrawal was a constitutional right.
"Everyone has a choice and preference, and a right to vote or not," said Abel Mwine, NRM registrar for Eastern Division.
Only Musinguzi's posters were displayed at the polling sites. Asked about this, NRM Electoral Commission officials explained it was up to individual aspirants to provide campaign materials.
"It's not the responsibility of NRM to hold such pictures. It's the responsibility of the aspirant and his agents," said Mara Mirembe, returning officer for Ntungamo Municipality.
Supporters hailed Musinguzi's experience as the reason rivals backed out.
"If you are a baby in politics, just let go because you won't manage. That's why many boycotted this election," said Hillary Akankwasa, one of Musinguzi's agents.
Meanwhile, boycotting aspirants vowed to support any strong independent challenger in 2026, even as they maintained loyalty to the NRM.
"We are going to support any other candidate who is ready to wash away the incumbent," said Eric Nuwagira, one of the MP aspirants.
"We are ready to keep faithful to NRM and our party, support all NRM aspirants--apart from the incumbent MP," he added.
The NRM Electoral Commission defended the process, insisting it had been transparent and well-publicized.
"Participating in an election is a personal right. You can either participate or withdraw. As the NRM Electoral Commission, we are here to ensure we get the winner. We announced it over radio and people were aware of this election," said Joash Muhangi, who represented the commission.
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At the end of the exercise, Musinguzi was declared winner with 71% of the vote, followed by Philip Ankwasa Tumuhimbise with 13%, Michael Katureebe with 10%, Edward Beyebdeza with 5%, and Eric Nuwagira with 1%.
