Former Rukiga District LC5 Chairman, Dr. Alexander Kampikaho on Friday suffered yet another major setback, registering his third consecutive loss in the ongoing National Resistance Movement (NRM) party elections.
In the latest contest, Dr. Kampikaho was defeated by Frank Kyerere, the former Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Sheema District, in the race for Rukiga District NRM Chairperson.
Kyerere garnered 164 votes against Kampikaho’s 60, as determined by the eligible NRM delegates.
The election was briefly disrupted when Muhwezi Andrew, husband of the Rukiga District Woman Member of Parliament, attempted to gain unauthorized access to the NRM electoral center at the District headquarters. Security personnel quickly intervened and escorted him out.
This defeat marks Kampikaho’s third loss in the ongoing NRM primaries. Once a political heavyweight who served as Rukiga District’s political head from 2017 to 2021, his recent attempts at a political comeback have faltered.
Just weeks earlier, Kampikaho was soundly defeated by rising political figure Amed Bende in the race for NRM Chairperson of Mparo Town Council. Bende, the current LC5 District Councilor for the area, won in a landslide, securing 123 votes to Kampikaho’s mere 4.
In a final attempt to maintain relevance within the party ranks, Kampikaho contested for the position of NRM Vice Chairperson.
However, he was again unsuccessful, losing to Mparo Town Council Speaker Joy Tumushabe, an ally of Bende who polled 78 votes to his 43.
Sources indicate that Kampikaho had recently campaigned against Kyerere, who narrowly lost his bid for the NRM flag in Nyarurambi Parish, Rwamucuucu Sub-county.
Following his victory, Kyerere acknowledged the task ahead, particularly in revitalizing the party’s structures, which have lacked formal leadership since the death of Apollo Nyegamehe last year.
“My next step after this resounding victory is to restructure our NRM party and restore its former glory, which was shaken following the passing of our former Chairperson, the late Apollo Nyegamehe. The interim leadership fell short, and I’m committed to establishing a disciplinary committee to address party grievances and curb the trend of members opting to run as independents,” Kyerere stated.
