Namuwenge Joins Mbale City MP Race, Vows to Champion Grassroots Development
Namuwenge, a respected technocrat and mobilizer behind the successful rollout of key government poverty alleviation programs, expressed confidence in her ability to lead with inclusivity and champion transformative development for the people of Mbale City.
Ritah Namuwenge, the National Coordinator for the Emyooga program and Parish Development Model (PDM) Consultant for Eastern Uganda, has officially declared her bid for elective politics by picking nomination forms for the Mbale City Woman Member of Parliament seat in the upcoming 2026 general elections.
Namuwenge, a respected technocrat and mobilizer behind the successful rollout of key government poverty alleviation programs, expressed confidence in her ability to lead with inclusivity and champion transformative development for the people of Mbale City.
“I’m appealing to my voters to trust me and I become their voice. I have come and will move together with you,” she said after receiving her nomination forms from the NRM Electoral Commission offices. “I want to bring government programs closer to my people and ensure no one is left behind.”
Her decision to join the race comes at a pivotal time as the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) officially kicked off its Expression of Interest process on June 2, 2025, inviting party members to vie for various political offices ahead of the 2026 general elections.
The NRM’s internal nomination exercise, which is being conducted at the party’s Electoral Commission headquarters in Kyadondo, will continue until June 15, with official nominations slated for June 17, according to Dr. Tanga Odoi, Chairperson of the NRM Electoral Commission.
“Any member vying for a parliamentary seat must pay a non-refundable fee of three million shillings,” Dr. Tanga announced to the press, confirming that the process had kicked off smoothly and was proceeding steadily.
Namuwenge’s entry into elective politics has stirred optimism among supporters, particularly youth and women groups who have witnessed her commitment to empowering local communities through the Emyooga and PDM initiatives. Her promise to deliver inclusive leadership resonates with the growing demand for leaders who understand grassroots challenges and are willing to advocate for meaningful change in Parliament.
A native of the Bugisu sub-region, Namuwenge holds a strong development record in the Eastern region, having worked closely with SACCOs, parish chiefs, and district technocrats to strengthen household incomes and promote government livelihood initiatives.
As the 2026 elections draw nearer, the Mbale City Woman MP seat is expected to attract considerable attention, with Namuwenge’s candidacy adding both energy and credibility to the race under the NRM party banner.
The ruling party’s electoral roadmap has officially opened the doors for aspirants to declare their political intentions. Positions up for grabs include parliamentary seats, district chairpersons, mayors, and other local government offices across Uganda.
The expression of interest exercise is an early and crucial phase that helps the NRM vet and prepare its flagbearers for competitive races at the national and local levels.
With party primaries expected in the coming months, aspirants like Ritah Namuwenge now shift focus to community engagement, consolidation of grassroots support, and presenting their leadership vision to the electorate.
