KAMPALA, Uganda  — As Uganda’s ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) gears up for the 2026 general elections, its dominance in Eastern Uganda has become a crucial factor in the party’s prospects for victory.

The NRM’s strong performance in the region, where it secured 97 parliamentary seats in the 2021 elections, is attributed to the effective leadership of Captain Mike Mukula, the party’s national vice chairperson for Eastern Uganda.

According to official figures, the NRM won 97 seats, with an additional 25 seats taken by independent candidates aligned with the party.

The opposition Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) trailed behind with 11 seats, while the National Unity Platform (NUP) secured two seats.

Other parties, including the Justice and Equality Movement (JEMA) and the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT), also won a single seat each. In total, 141 parliamentary seats were up for grabs in the region.

Mukula’s leadership style, which emphasizes grassroots mobilization and strategic campaign coordination, has been instrumental in consolidating the NRM’s support base in the region.

His ability to connect with voters and deliver development projects has also helped to boost the party’s popularity.

However, as the 2026 elections approach, the NRM faces a daunting task in maintaining its dominance in Eastern Uganda.