Political Earthquake: Baryomunsi Crushed in NRM CEC Elections

The NRM Western region witnessed political drama as Dr. Chris Baryomunsi was handed a shock defeat by Robert Asiimwe, sending ripples through the ruling party’s power corridors.

The Minister of ICT and National Guidance, Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, has lost his bid to become the western region vice-chairperson of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).

According to results announced by the party’s electoral commission chairperson, Dr. Tanga Odoi, Baryomunsi secured 2,303 votes, representing 33.6% of the total ballots cast. He was defeated by Jonard Asiimwe, who emerged winner with 4,044 votes, translating to 58.9%.

The race, which involved eight contenders and was conducted through lining up behind candidates of choice, concluded late on Wednesday, August 27, 2025. Other candidates in the contest included Blaise Kamugisha (339 votes), Lauren Muhangi Bwengye (55), Dick Kamuganga Nuwamanya (49), Enoch Barigye Byaruhanga (60), Innocent Atuhe (11), and Michael Maranga Mwanda, who did not receive any votes. A total of 6,861 delegates from the western region participated in the election.

The position of western region vice-chairperson is one of the hotly contested slots within the NRM’s Central Executive Committee (CEC), the party’s supreme decision-making organ. The CEC plays a crucial role in shaping the ruling party’s political direction and is considered the nerve center of decision-making in Uganda’s governance. It advises the party chairperson, President Yoweri Museveni, and often influences key matters such as parliamentary candidature and Cabinet appointments.

Political analyst Crispin Kaheru, a commissioner with the Uganda Human Rights Commission, noted that securing a seat on the CEC places an individual at the heart of Uganda’s political architecture, with direct influence on the country’s policy and leadership decisions.