Hajjat Minsa Kabanda of the NRM has won the Kampala Central parliamentary seat. She defeated her main rival, NUP’s David Lewis Rubongoya, in a tightly fought race. Kabanda’s victory secures her a five-year term running until 2031.
Official results show Kabanda polled 22,332 votes. Rubongoya received 18,242 votes. Other contenders, including Agaba Muzoora and businessman Abraham Luzzi, trailed far behind.
Following her victory announcement, Kabanda thanked the electorate. She described the win as a result of persistence and sustained grassroots engagement.
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“I want to first appreciate the people of Kampala Central for entrusting me to represent their voice in Parliament,” Kabanda said to journalists. “The journey has not been easy, but I am grateful to God who has led me through.”
She also dismissed allegations of electoral malpractice from her opponent. Kabanda asserted the election was transparent. She credited her win to long-term voter engagement.
“The election was free and fair because I went through all the right procedures,” she stated. “I am hardworking and understand Kampala and its problems. That is why the people have trusted me.”
However, Rubongoya rejected the results. He alleged widespread irregularities and violence. On his X (formerly Twitter) account, he claimed NUP agents were assaulted and chased from polling stations.
“By Thursday evening, we had a very comfortable lead,” Rubongoya claimed. “Then they raided various polling stations, did all manner of stuffing, and beat up our people.”
He specifically challenged results from stations near All Saints Church and Summit View. Rubongoya argued his agents were excluded from the process there.
“Despite winning comfortably in 17 parishes out of 20, they are hell-bent on announcing the unpopular NRM candidate,” he added.
Other candidates responded differently. Businessman Abraham Luzzi offered a conciliatory message. He publicly congratulated Kabanda on her victory.
“Politics is not a job; it is service. I congratulate my elder, Hajjat Minsa Kabanda, upon her win,” Luzzi said.
This race gained national attention following the exit of incumbent MP Muhammad Nsereko. He had represented the constituency since 2011 but withdrew to pursue a blocked presidential bid.
With the results declared, Kabanda is set to continue as both a cabinet minister and legislator. Meanwhile, opposition figures signal potential legal challenges to the poll’s conduct.
