NRM Declares Winners in Kapchorwa District Re-run Primaries Ahead of 2026 General Elections

Kapchorwa, Uganda — The National Resistance Movement (NRM) party has concluded a critical re-run of its party primaries in Kapchorwa District, following the controversial July 17th vote that was marred by allegations of vote rigging, bribery, and electoral malpractice. The re-run, which took place under tight supervision from the NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC), has seen three key flag bearers emerge victorious to represent the party in the 2026 general elections.

Hon. Twalla Fadil has been declared the NRM flag bearer for Tingey County, defeating competitors Soyekwo Kenneth and Nancy Chelangat in a tightly contested race.

In Kapchorwa Municipality, Hon. Chemonges Martin, also known as "China", secured victory over three other aspirants: Kitiya Patrick Solimo, Chelimo Alex, and Muban Alfred Satya.

For the Kapchorwa District Woman MP Seat, Betty Cheptoyek Kaali clinched the NRM flag after garnering 26,688 votes, defeating incumbent MP Phyllis Chemutai, who received 22,803 votes. Other contenders included Susan Chemutai, Juliet Baulah Cheboyeyin, and Jalia Seiko Chikasire.

The re-run was prompted by widespread concerns regarding the credibility of the July 17th primaries. Accusations of vote rigging and financial inducement led to the arrest of the former district registrar, Akram Kamonges, and prompted formal petitions from aggrieved aspirants. In response, the NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC) ordered a fresh election to restore transparency and uphold internal democratic standards. 

Speaking after the rerun, Isaac Chepkurui, the acting District Registrar, emphasized that the process was conducted peacefully and with integrity:

“This is a joint exercise under the close supervision of the NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC), and we are committed to ensuring it meets the expectations of all stakeholders. The process was transparent and free of fear.”

The CEC’s direct involvement was credited with restoring public trust in the internal electoral process, especially in light of the previous controversies that had threatened to fracture party unity in Kapchorwa.

Across the constituencies, the rerun attracted a strong field of candidates: Kapchorwa Municipality:

Kitiya Patrick Solimo

Chemonges Martin (Winner)

Chelimo Alex

Muban Alfred Satya

Tingey County:

Twalla Fadil (Winner)

Soyekwo Kenneth

Nancy Chelangat

District Woman MP Seat:

Betty Cheptoyek Kaali (Winner)

Phyllis Chemutai (Incumbent)

Susan Chemutai

Juliet Baulah Cheboyeyin

Jalia Seiko Chikasire

The level of competition reflected the vibrancy of NRM politics in the Sebei sub-region and underscored the stakes involved in securing the party’s endorsement ahead of the 2026 elections.

With the rerun completed and winners declared, the NRM in Kapchorwa is expected to consolidate its grassroots support and prepare for the national contest. The newly elected flag bearers will now shift focus toward building broad-based campaigns to retain or capture their respective seats in the forthcoming elections.

As the 2026 elections approach, Kapchorwa District—long considered a stronghold of the NRM—will be closely watched, especially given the lessons learned from the recent electoral mishaps and the steps taken to rectify them.

By: John Kusolo