NRM Bulambuli aspirant Emmanuel Biara Wepukhulu….Photo/IP

BULAMBULI, Uganda (IP)

Emmanuel Biara Wepukhulu, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) flag bearer for Bulambuli, has emerged as the frontrunner in the constituency, buoyed by strong grassroots support and a decisive showing in recent party primaries.

Biara secured the ruling party’s ticket after outperforming several rivals, a result that party officials and local leaders say reflects his growing popularity across key sub-counties.

His campaign has focused on development, service delivery and consolidating the NRM’s long-standing support base in the Bugisu sub-region.

“People want a leader who can speak for us effectively at the national level,” said Amos Tibamwesigye, a voter in Muyembe town council. “Biara has been with the people and understands what Bulambuli needs.”

NRM has historically performed strongly in Bulambuli, and local party mobilizers say Biara’s nomination has energized supporters ahead of the 2026 general election.

Campaign events in trading centers and rural areas have drawn large crowds, signaling early momentum against expected opposition challengers.

Another voter, Sarah Akello, said Biara’s message of unity and development has resonated widely.

“We are tired of empty promises,” she said. “He talks about roads, health services and opportunities for the youth, and that is why many of us are behind him.”

With the general election months away, analysts say Biara’s task will be to turn primary enthusiasm into broad-based voter turnout.

For now, however, his early lead and consolidated party backing have positioned him as the candidate to beat in Bulambuli.