Stacia Mayanja has today been officially sworn in as the first President of the newly formed National Peasants Party (NPP) during a ceremony held at the Uganda Museum Grounds in Kampala.

The event attracted supporters, local leaders, and farmers from across the country. The NPP was recently cleared by the Electoral Commission to operate as a registered political party ahead of the 2026 general elections.

In her speech, Mayanja vowed to champion the rights of farmers, push for land justice, better agricultural policies, and improved access to farm inputs. She said the party would focus on giving a voice to rural communities and ensure that the country’s food producers are no longer sidelined in national development.

“This party belongs to the ordinary Ugandan who tills the land and feeds the nation,” she said.

The National Peasants Party plans to field candidates in both local and national elections, with a strong focus on grassroots mobilization.

 Mayanja, a former civil society activist, promised to run a transparent and people-driven party. She also unveiled the party flag, which features a hoe and maize plant, symbolizing agriculture, labor, and hope.

Iganga, Uganda – Former Speaker of Parliament Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga has officially commenced her campaign trail for the position of NRM's Second National Vice Chairperson, starting with a major rally in her home district of Iganga.  

The seasoned politician addressed hundreds of delegates at the district playground, outlining her vision for the party and the Busoga region. "My leadership record speaks for itself – from parliamentary reforms to regional development initiatives," Kadaga told supporters who braved the rains to attend the event.  

 
Kadaga’s platform focuses on party unity, regional development, and women’s empowerment.
The rally saw strong attendance from local leaders, though notably absent was State Minister Persis Namuganza, who has reportedly been sidelined from campaign activities. Several Busoga region MPs joined Kadaga on stage, demonstrating solid regional support.  

 
Kadaga plans an intensive nationwide tour, targeting all regions to consolidate support ahead of the NRM elections. "This isn't just about Busoga – it's about strengthening our party nationwide," she emphasized during her address.  

The Iganga event featured traditional performances and testimonials from beneficiaries of Kadaga's development projects, creating a festive atmosphere despite the weather. Supporters lined the roads cheering as her convoy arrived, waving NRM flags and placards.  

 
The Second Vice Chairperson position has become increasingly significant as NRM prepares for 2026 general elections. Kadaga's experience as Speaker and her influence in Busoga make her a formidable contender against current holder Al-Hajj Moses Kigongo.  

The National Unity Platform in Mukono district has petitioned  the district electoral commission complaining about the scandals that appear in the youth election in two parishes including Ntawo Ward and Ggulu ward both in Mukono Central Division in Mukono.

The district's chairperson and Mukono MP, Betty Bakireke Nambooze, filed the complaint on behalf of the party. District Electoral Commission Returning Officer Mark Muganzi Mayanja told New Vision that they had already received the complaints and had sent them to the Electoral Commission's legal department to determine the next steps.

“We received a petition from the area member of parliament, Honourable Betty Nambooze  Bakireke, on behalf of her party, NUP, and her candidates, where she was petitioning against the results from two wards within the municipality, which are Ggulu Ward and Ntawo. That petition was received after the elections were held, results declared on the 7th of July.”

Muganzi added that the petition has been forwarded to the legal department for management. However, the nominations of candidates, which took place for two days, the 9th and the 10th of July, 2025, were concluded successfully.

Muganzi also told us that in their analysis, as the election officials, youth elections are going well in general but warned those who think about running away from the election after starting with the intention of cancelling it that the law allows them to set up a symbol of their party, and then the election continues.

He also urged all those who went through at the sub-county level to go and register at their sub-counties before the deadline, and then they will run for the race starting next week.

Like any other exercise where elections are held,  he added that there is contestation, where some people will win and some people will lose. And those who win will take the victory, and those who lose will feel disadvantaged. They had a very peaceful exercise in the district.

“There were no issues of violence noted anywhere. The commission officials, parties, candidates, and security worked hand in hand to make sure that the polling process happened in a tranquil environment. So, we had no issues of fighting and violence.”

He further more highlighted on the net election at sub county level for special interest group committees, starting with the older persons on the 14th of July, 2025, then people with disabilities voting for their committees on the 16th of July, and finally, they shall have the sub-county youth committee elections happening on the 18th of July, 2025.

 He called upon the people of the district, especially those that have gone through the parish elections, because they are the ones who are forming the electoral college that will be voting for the sub-county special interest group committees, to go and pick their forms at these venues, fill in those forms and return them.

Those who are party candidates were also advised to get the endorsement of their parties because they cannot change their party at the sub-county level. They simply have to move to their party that endorsed them from the village to the parish to the sub-county.

“Get your endorsement, those who are independent candidates, fill in the form and return it. As long as you meet the nomination requirement, you shall be nominated. Let's take time, observe the procedure.”

The leaders of Mukono Municipality, led by Mukono district speaker Betty Nakasi Hope and councillor Hellen Nankya from the Ggulu ward area, condemned the scandal and demanded the rerun of the election.

The NRM, led by Joseph Wamala,  have laughed at the NUP, saying that of the 11 villages that make up the district, nine villages have been won by them without any defeat, and attributes the petition as baseless with no substantial evidence.

Col. Wilson Bagonza, Commander of the Three Special Forces Group, has called on members of the Special Forces Command (SFC) to safeguard the freedom won by Uganda’s liberation heroes.

Speaking during the closure of the third edition of the SFC Inter-Unit Rifle Competition, at Fort Samora Machel UPDF Special Forces Training School in Kaweweta, Col. Bagonza emphasized the need for discipline, vigilance, and continuous training. Representing the SFC Commander, Maj. Gen. David Mugisha, he reminded troops that freedom must not be taken for granted and quoted Gen. Douglas MacArthur, saying, “No man is entitled to the blessings of freedom unless he be vigilant in its preservation.”

He applauded the UPDF’s transformation into a disciplined and professional force under the leadership of the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba. Col. Bagonza noted that while the army was once stigmatized, it now recruits based on merit and has earned regional respect.

He praised the participants for their marksmanship and encouraged them to retain and sharpen their skills, warning that military proficiency fades without regular practice. He stressed that SFC’s strength lies in its relentless commitment to excellence through training.

Echoing his remarks, the Director of Training and Doctrine SFC, Col. Paul Lokut, and Training School Commandant, Lt. Col. Edison Bayendera, highlighted the importance of such competitions in strengthening operational readiness and unit cohesion. 

This year’s competition drew 11 teams from four formations, competing in challenges such as long-range shooting, hostage rescue, and direct-action simulation. The event, attended by top SFC leadership and dignitaries, not only showcased elite skill but also reaffirmed the force’s commitment to upholding the highest professional standards.