ADVERTISEMENT

When Legacy Fails: How Werikhe Lost the NRM Flag to His Former Aide

🗳️ When Legacy Fails: How Werikhe Lost the NRM Flag to His Former Aide

Published by ENS Live | July 2025

Werikhe vs Wanda NRM Primary

Michael Werikhe Kafabusa — once a prominent State Minister and seasoned legislator — saw his attempt at a political comeback crumble in the heart of Bungokho Central County, as voters handed victory to his former aide, Richard Wanda.

📉 A Legacy Rejected

Werikhe, who has served in government roles since 1996, was expected by many to cruise through the NRM primaries. Instead, he faced a stunning rejection, polling just over 7,600 votes against Wanda’s commanding 17,600. The political terrain he once dominated shifted beneath his feet.

🔍 What Changed?

Many attribute Werikhe’s loss to a growing sentiment among voters that familiar faces no longer guarantee results. Critics say his absence from grassroots engagements and a failure to adapt to changing political expectations contributed to his defeat.

Wanda, in contrast, connected with the youth and positioned himself as a more relatable candidate. His consistent presence in the constituency, modern campaign approach, and public tax expertise helped fuel his rise.

🗣️ Voices from the Ground

“We gave him many years,” said one voter in Mbale. “But it was time to hear from someone new. We want action, not just names.”

🌍 A New Political Era?

The surprise outcome sends a strong signal to long-time politicians across Uganda: political capital isn’t infinite. It must be nurtured, earned, and continually justified.

As the NRM moves toward the general elections, the Bungokho Central primary stands as a reminder that loyalty must now be backed by delivery — and that even veteran figures like Werikhe aren’t immune to voter fatigue.

Stay with ENS for deeper perspectives on Uganda’s shifting political landscape.

Advertisement

ADVERTISEMENT

ENS Popular

MUGO VENDOR TERMS

Image
MUGO Vendor Terms & Conditions Effective Date: May 23, 2025 By registering as a vendor on MUGO ( https://business.mugo.easysavego.com ), you agree to abide by the following terms and conditions. These terms are designed to protect customers, vendors, and the integrity of the MUGO platform. Vendor Eligibility Be legally registered or operating within Uganda. Provide accurate business details during sign-up. Be responsible for compliance with all local laws related to eCommerce, taxes, and business operations. Product Listings Vendors are responsible for the accuracy of their product information (titles, descriptions, pricing, stock levels, etc.). Products must be legal and comply with MUGO’s content guidelines. Fake, counterfeit, or prohibited items will be removed immediately, and the vendor account may be suspended. Order Fulfillment & Shipping Vendors are responsible for timely ful...
Read more

Uganda Launches First Catfish Pro...

Image
Uganda Launches First Catfish Processing Plant in Mpigi Masheda Foods has inaugurated Uganda’s first catfish processing factory in Buyala, Mpigi District. The plant emphasizes sustainability, community empowerment, and premium product development, aiming to boost local aquaculture and serve international markets. Situated on a 25-acre site just 15 km from Kampala, the facility is part of Masheda Foods’ vertically integrated production model. The factory enables large-scale production of items like smoked fillets, catfish burgers, sausages, and powder while maintaining food safety and traceability. The company sources over 80% of its inputs locally and supports rural farmers through an out-grower scheme. Masheda’s products are distributed in more than 60 outlets in Kinshasa, with plans to expand to Nairobi and international markets including the UK, Belgium, and France. Beyond business, Masheda Foods has empowered communities by...
Read more

Opposition Blocks Loan Approval, Tayebwa Adjourns House

Image
Opposition Blocks Loan Approval, Tayebwa Adjourns House National Desk | September 17, 2025 T he Ugandan Parliament was thrown into tension on Tuesday, September 16, when the Opposition obstructed a motion for government borrowing, forcing Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa to adjourn the session until the following day. The loan in question would finance “Strategic Towns Water Supply and Sanitation Project – Phase II” (STWSSP II), but concerns over its terms triggered strong resistance. What’s Being Borrowed The government seeks to borrow approximately **€183,309,947.16** from Standard Chartered Bank, plus **UGX 120,395,249,259** via 6-month Treasury Bills. The amount is intended to fund water supply and sanitation infrastructure in strategic towns across Uganda. 0 Opposition’s Red Flags Though the House Committee on National Economy, chaired by John Bosco Ikojo, raised sever...
Read more

Govt Undergoes Job Restructuring; Director Posts to Be...

Image
Govt Undergoes Job Restructuring; Director Posts to Be Phased Out National Desk | September 17, 2025 I n a sweeping move aimed at reducing redundancy, Uganda’s government is moving to eliminate the title of Director across public service entities. Letters sent to all ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) mandate this change, which will also affect commissioners and equivalents in functions such as planning, policy, human resources, procurement, and administration. 0 Cabinet Decision & Implementation Timeline The directive follows approval by Cabinet back in **February 2021**, specifically under Minute 190 (Cabinet-Ticket 2022). Under the new arrangement, many duties currently held by directors will be absorbed into a unified Department of Finance and Administration, reporting to an Undersecretary. 1 Who’s Affected The changes will touch positions in HR management, administrati...
Read more

🇺🇬 NIRA Launches Mass Exercise for National ID Corrections and First-Time Registrations

Image
🇺🇬 NIRA Launches Mass Exercise for National ID Corrections and First-Time Registrations Kampala, Uganda | ENS News Desk — The National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) has officially rolled out a countrywide initiative to facilitate the correction of National ID records and first-time registration of Ugandan citizens aged 16 and above. The exercise commenced on May 27, 2025 , and is part of Uganda’s preparation for the national ID renewal deadline and upcoming electoral processes. 🔹 Who Can Apply? Ugandan citizens aged 16+ who have never registered for a National ID Existing ID holders seeking to update or correct personal information Individuals with expired, lost, or damaged ID cards 🔹 Application Channels All applicants must begin the process through the NIRA Online Application Portal . After completing the form, applicants receive a Reference Number used for biometric capture at district NIRA offices. 🔹 Servi...
Read more

You Don’t Own Busoga,” Museveni Rebukes Kadaga

Image
“You Don’t Own Busoga,” Museveni Rebukes Kadaga During an NRM NEC meeting held last evening, President Yoweri Museveni rejected First Deputy Prime Minister Rebecca Kadaga’s suggestion that she holds exclusive sway over the Busoga region. Kadaga, a long-serving party stalwart who began her political career as an LC-I chairperson in 1999, expressed frustration that her decades of loyalty to the NRM seem overlooked in favor of Speaker Anita Among, whom she noted has only been active in the party for three years. “If this position goes to a contest, it will cause serious problems in my community … People here might think you are fighting a bigger community, not an individual.” Museveni responded sharply, cautioning against portraying Busoga as beholden to a single leader. “Rebecca, you do not own Busoga. It isn’t correct to suggest that the Basoga owe their loyalty to you alone. That’s misleadin...
Read more

Foreign Entities Without Local Registration Can Now Sue in Uganda

Image
Foreign Entities Without Local Registration Can Now Sue in Uganda The Court of Appeal has held that foreign entities—including partnerships—may bring suits in Ugandan courts even if they are not registered locally, as long as they are not conducting ongoing business in Uganda. Background The case arose from Vantage Mezzanine Fund II Partnership , a South African partnership, which sued businessman Patrick Bitature to enforce obligations tied to a USD 26 million loan agreement. In pursuing enforcement, the fund sought to transfer shares in companies within the Simba Group through the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB). In 2022, the High Court (per Justice Musa Ssekaana) struck out Vantage’s action for lack of legal capacity, reasoning that, under the Partnership Act and the Business Names Registration Act , a partnership must be registered in Uganda to sue or be sued. Court of Appeal’s Decision On appeal, Justice E...
Read more

Kampala Festival Returns as KCCA Showcases Urban Transformation

Image
Kampala Festival Returns as KCCA Showcases Urban Transformation Monday, August 4, 2025 ENS Urban Reporting, Kampala The Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has announced the relaunch of the **Kampala City Festival**, Uganda’s largest urban celebration, after a seven-year hiatus. The announcement was made during a press briefing by KCCA Executive Director **Sharifah Buzeki** at the Uganda Media Centre. 2 The festival is set to officially launch on **August 16, 2025**, at **City Hall**, with celebration dates to be confirmed during the event unveiling. 3 Celebrating Kampala’s Progress Buzeki described the event as a platform to celebrate culture, innovation, and community spirit. “It’s not just about entertainment—it’s about unity and recognizing how far the city has advanced,” she said. 4 Milestones in City Service Delivery KCCA highlighted key achievements over the past year: rehabilitation of **over ...
Read more

Forever Technologies Unveils UGMail: Redefining Business Communications

Image
Forever Technologies Unveils UGMail: Redefining Business Communications Business & Tech Desk | September 17, 2025 F orever Technologies Ltd has unveiled UGMail , a next-generation email platform built to streamline communication, collaboration, and productivity for businesses of all sizes. Unlike conventional mail services, UGMail requires no technical setup, offers simple cross-device access, and comes with a unique white-label feature that allows organizations to brand the service as their own. A Solution for Modern Business UGMail is designed for enterprises, SMEs, NGOs, and professionals seeking a secure, reliable, and flexible communication system. Available via dedicated mobile and desktop apps as well as the web, the platform ensures seamless management of email, tasks, calendars, and contacts across devices. Security and compliance are integrated into every plan, making it a trusted option for data-sensitive o...
Read more