Esther Mbulakubuza Mbayo’s bid for a third term as the Luuka District Woman Representative is facing tough competition from within the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM). At least five contenders have emerged, all vying to take the party ticket from her.

A former Minister for the Presidency, Mbayo is well-acquainted with the fierce political battles required to secure the NRM flag, which brings with it crucial party resources. In 2016, she triumphed over then-incumbent Evelyn Kaabule in the NRM primaries before winning the general election.

The race for the NRM ticket is already heating up, with five women positioning themselves to challenge Mbayo. Among them is Annet Nabirye, the sister of the late Gladys Aliyinza, who was the wife of Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Faruk Kirunda. The late Aliyinza had shown interest in the seat before tragically passing away in a road accident last year while returning from a community mobilization event. Nabirye, who has since entered the race, is joined by Oliver Namwase, Resty Namutamba Kawoowo, Mariam Mwesigwa, and former MP Evelyn Kaabule.

Luuka District, carved from Iganga in 2010, remains a significant agricultural hub, particularly in sugarcane farming. While the district has traditionally been an NRM stronghold, the 2021 elections revealed shifting political dynamics, with Robert Kyagulanyi of the National Unity Platform (NUP) defeating President Yoweri Museveni in the presidential vote. Kyagulanyi secured 31,842 votes, while Museveni garnered 27,520. However, in parliamentary elections, the NRM maintained control, winning all three constituencies—Luke Kyobe in Luuka North, Stephen Kisa in Luuka South, and Mbayo in the Woman Representative seat.

Mbayo, who entered the 2021 election as Minister for the Presidency, benefited from her cabinet position. However, after losing that role to Milly Babalanda, her political landscape has shifted. The late Aliyinza, who ran as an independent candidate in 2021, had gained considerable traction before her untimely death.

Despite the growing competition, Mbayo remains confident, emphasizing that her two terms in office have laid the foundation for continued development in the district. She has pledged to fulfill her previous commitments and ensure the successful implementation of government programs.

With early campaigning underway, all the aspirants are focusing on securing the NRM ticket before preparing for the broader contest that could include opposition candidates and independents. The primary battle for the party flag is shaping up to be a fiercely contested race, setting the stage for a high-stakes showdown. However, securing the NRM ticket alone will not guarantee victory, as the general election will also involve other political parties and independents. Given the continued influence of the NUP in Busoga, the race could be an exciting one, especially if Olivia Nabiryo can build on the 11,120 votes she garnered in 2021.