No votes , No problem , Minister Flees NRM Chairperson Race, Humiliated by Heavy Defeat

Sironko District – In a shocking turn of events, the State Minister for Karamoja Affairs and Woman MP for Sironko District, Hon. Florence Nambozo, this morning abandoned the race for NRM District Chairperson, conceding defeat before a single vote was cast. The dramatic scene unfolded at the Sironko District NRM primary elections, where the minister, facing an imminent and embarrassing loss, chose to flee rather than face the humiliation of a public thrashing at the hands of her rival, the incumbent Chairman, Hajji Mafabi Lumolo.

Eyewitnesses described a tense atmosphere as Hon. Nambozo arrived at the election venue, visibly uneasy and avoiding the gaze of the gathered crowds. Instead of walking confidently to the front, she slipped in from behind the tent, shielded by her security detail, who aggressively blocked journalists from filming or speaking to her. The minister, once a vocal and seemingly confident leader, appeared isolated—her usual swagger replaced by nervous glances and a hurried demeanor.  

As she scanned the tent, the reality hit her: there were no cheers, no chants of support—only cold silence and murmurs of disapproval. The few supporters she had stood quietly, while the sea of Lumolo’s backers roared with energy, waving banners and chanting his name. The contrast was stark, the message clear, Sironko had rejected her. 

Unable to bear the mounting pressure, Hon. Nambozo made a swift exit, abandoning the race entirely—a move that left even her own supporters stunned.  

This was not the first sign of trouble for the minister. Just a week earlier, she had struggled to secure a mere 25 votes,  in a village-level mobilization meeting—a dismal performance that foreshadowed today’s disaster. Political analysts had warned that challenging Hajji Lumolo, a seasoned political heavyweight with deep roots in Sironko, was a near-impossible task. Yet, the minister pressed on, only to face the inevitable.  

With her withdrawal, the electoral officials proceeded with voting, and the results were a brutal indictment of her dwindling influence, Hajji Lumolo secured a landslide 881 votes, while Nambozo’s name managed only 11. 
 
The minister’s abrupt exit sparked mixed reactions. Some voters sympathized, saying she had recognized her inevitable defeat and spared herself further embarrassment. But many others, including her own disillusioned supporters, condemned her actions as cowardly.  

Masaba james , a local political commentator, did not mince words: "It was wrong for the minister to flee like a frightened child. In every election, there are winners and losers—that’s democracy. Running away solves nothing, and for a minister, it’s downright shameful. Even children know that in politics, you stand your ground, win or lose." 

Others questioned her political future, especially with the Woman MP elections just a month away. Rumors swirl that she may face another humiliating defeat—this time at the hands of , Asisha Lumolo, Hajji Lumolo’s formidable daughter, who is said to be just as politically astute as her father.  
 
In his victory speech, Hajji Lumolo thanked the people of Sironko for their overwhelming support and vowed to continue championing NRM’s agenda. "Soon, we shall hold a grand celebration to endorse President Museveni as the sole NRM candidate for 2026," he declared, sending a clear message to opposition forces.  

He also praised the youth of Sironko for remaining loyal to NRM, unlike in other parts of Uganda where young voters have turned against the ruling party. "Our youth understand the value of stability and development. They will not be misled by empty opposition promises," he said.  
 
As the dust settles, Hon. Nambozo’s political career hangs in the balance. Once a rising star, her dramatic fall serves as a stark reminder of a timeless political truth: "Power is not given, it is taken—and it can slip away just as quickly."

For now, Sironko has spoken. The question remains, Will the minister fight to reclaim her standing, or will she fade into political obscurity?

One thing is certain—in the ruthless arena of Ugandan politics, there is no room for retreat. As the old saying goes: "If you can’t stand the heat, stay out of the kitchen."