More than 500 former parliamentary candidates from across Uganda have launched the Former Parliamentary Candidates Association 2025–2026, a platform aimed at uniting former contestants to contribute to national development, advocate for electoral reforms, and promote socio-economic transformation.
The association was officially inaugurated during its first meeting held at Silver Springs Hotel, Bugolobi, in Kampala. The event brought together former parliamentary candidates from different parts of the country, particularly those who contested in the National Resistance Movement (NRM) primaries as well as independent candidates with NRM-leaning political ideologies.
The chief guest, Gen. (Rtd.) Kahinda Otafiire, was unveiled as the Patron of the association. In his keynote address, Gen. Otafiire urged members to focus on mobilizing communities for development rather than engaging in endless political contests.
He cited the situation in Karamoja, where many people continue to face hunger despite the region’s fertile land, saying that leaders should prioritize empowering communities to increase production and improve livelihoods.
“Leadership should be about transforming people’s lives. We must mobilize our communities for development instead of concentrating only on politics,” Gen. Otafiire said.
He also pledged to engage President Yoweri Museveni to secure a meeting with members of the association so they can present their concerns directly to him, including seeking government support for the association’s SACCO, which members intend to use as a vehicle for economic empowerment.
The association elected a national executive committee and regional leadership structures to coordinate its activities across the country.
The National Executive Committee is led by Chairperson: Hon. Tugume Boniface who contested in Igara West and lost to Cohhen Kyampene. Others include Secretary: Hon. Faith Odell A, Head of Mobilization: Hon. Nakunda Beth Kayesu who contested in Wakiso as NRM flag bearer for Woman MP, Deputy Mobilizer I: Hon. Nekyon Isaac Emma, Deputy Mobilizer II: Hon. TUMUTEGYERIZE OnesmaS AND Publicity: Hon. Okumu Vincent.
The association also established regional executive committees to coordinate activities in Central, Eastern, Northern and Western Uganda.
In the Central Region, the leadership is headed by Hon. Kananula Daniel as Regional Coordinator, deputized by Hon. Elizabeth Salabwa, with Hon. Kamali Saulo Sekindi coordinating Greater Masaka and Hon. Nabatanzi Daisy Ssonko Sarah representing Mukono.
The Eastern Region is led by Hon. Owako Martin, deputized by Hon. Annet Nandala Kimbowa, with sub-regional coordinators including Hon. Kenneth Gubi Kibbumba (Busoga), Hon. Wafula Esther B. (Bukedi), Hon. Hussein Kato Matanda (Bugishu), Hon. Apio Lucy Chengem (Karamoja) and Hon. Olinga Calvin (Teso).
In the Western Region, Hon. Nimwesiga Dan was elected Regional Coordinator, assisted by Hon. Nkuruhu Pison. Other leaders include Hon. Nimwesiga Herbert and Hon. Tukundane Cassibat for Ankole, Hon. Kushemererwa Harriet for Bunyoro, Hon. Musiimenta Cleodonia for Kigezi, Hon. Kyomugisha Christine K. for Rwenzori and Hon. Akandwanaho Israel Joshua for Toro.
The Northern Region executive is headed by Hon. Odur Odongomac Onek as Regional Coordinator, deputized by Hon. Ogweng Eddy Morris, with Hon. Berocan Ephphany (Acholi), Hon. Pasquine Acio (Lango) and Hon. Kayomu Wilson (West Nile) serving as sub-regional coordinators.
Speaking after his election as the Western Region Executive Coordinator for Ankole, Hon. Tukundane Cassibat said the association seeks to unite former parliamentary candidates into a strong national network that can collectively lobby for development opportunities, promote economic empowerment, and contribute positively to Uganda’s progress.
He noted that the association will also advocate for improvements in Uganda’s electoral processes to ensure greater transparency and fairness, observing that many candidates believed they did not lose the previous elections on a level playing field.
“We believe our experience and leadership can still contribute immensely to national development even outside Parliament. This association gives us a platform to continue serving our communities while advocating for a better electoral process,” Tukundane said.
The formation of the Former Parliamentary Candidates Association is expected to provide a united voice for hundreds of former candidates while promoting collaboration with government and other stakeholders on issues of development, governance and democratic reforms.
