In This Article

  • Walubi Concedes Defeat in LC5 Primaries
  • Defends Support for Anita Among's CEC Bid
  • Criticizes CEC Regionalization and Independent Candidates
  • Implications for NRM Unity and Electoral Strategy

Key Takeaways

  • Abubaker Walubi, the Iganga District NRM chairman, conceded defeat in the LC5 chairperson seat primaries to Gabula Ezera, who received 50,649 votes compared to Walubi's 22,308 votes.
  • Walubi urged all NRM supporters to unite behind Gabula Ezera as the party's chosen candidate for the 2026 general elections.
  • Walubi refused to apologize for supporting Speaker Anita Among's bid for the Central Executive Committee (CEC) leadership, asserting that every citizen has the right to endorse candidates they believe in.
  • Walubi criticized the idea of regionalizing the CEC role, arguing that it should be a national position and not limited to specific regions or individuals like Rebecca Kadaga.

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, and maybe a blockquote for Walubi's quotes. Make sure the tags are relevant and not too many—3-5. Let me check the original tags: maybe NRM, elections, Kadaga, Anita Among, political alliances. Double-check that all key facts are included: election results, Walubi's support for Gabula, refusal to apologize, reasons, criticism of CEC regionalization, stance on independents. Avoid any markdown except the specified HTML in the body. Alright, time to structure the response accordingly. TITLE: Iganga NRM Leader Accepts Loss, Defends Political Stance Amid Calls for Apology EXCERPT: Iganga District NRM chairman Abubaker Walubi concessions defeat in LC5 primaries to Gabula Ezera, pledges full backing for his campaign, and rebuffs demands to apologize for supporting Speaker Anita Among in CEC leadership. CATEGORY: Politics TAGS: NRM, Elections, Kadaga, Anita Among, CEC BODY:

NRM Chairman Walubi Concedes Defeat but Stands Firm on Political Choices

By Yusuf Obbo

July 25, 2025 — Iganga District NRM chairman Abubaker Walubi has formally conceded defeat after losing the NRM flag for the LC5 chairperson seat to Gabula Ezera, who secured 50,649 votes compared to Walubi’s 22,308 votes.

During a press conference, Walubi extended congratulations to Ezera and affirmed his commitment to rally behind the party’s chosen candidate ahead of the 2026 general elections. “First, I congratulate Mr. Gabula Ezera on his victory. Despite the challenges during the primaries, I urge all NRM supporters to unite behind him as we confront opposition forces,” Walubi stated. The primaries were marked by heated tensions at polling stations, with reports of clashes between supporters and security personnel.

Walubi also addressed mounting calls from Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga’s supporters demanding an apology for his public backing of Speaker Anita Among’s Central Executive Committee (CEC) leadership bid. He dismissed such demands, asserting his political stance caused no harm. “To those expecting an apology — you will be disappointed. Supporting Anita Among is not a transgression. Every citizen has the right to endorse candidates they believe in,” he asserted.

The remarks drew fire for allegedly regionalizing the CEC role, with Walubi countering that the position is “national in character” and should not be limited to specific regions or individuals like Kadaga. He further warned against the rise of independent candidates post-primary losses, arguing it risks fragmenting the NRM’s electoral strength. “As district chairman, I cannot endorse candidates who lose primaries and seek independent bids. Unity around our flag bearers is non-negotiable,” Walubi emphasized, while acknowledging individuals’ rights to pursue independent paths.

Political analysts suggest the row underscores deepening divisions within Uganda’s ruling party over leadership and regional representation ahead of critical elections.

Tags:

#Anita Among #elections #maybe NRM #Kadaga #Walubi's support for Gabula #refusal to apologize #reasons #criticism of CEC regionalization #pledges full backing for his campaign #CEC