KAMPALA – In a decisive political shift, philanthropist and businesswoman Adrine Kobusingye has been elected as the new National Chairperson of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Women’s League. The election, held on August 26, 2025, at the party’s National Delegates’ Conference in Kololo, sees Kobusingye take on a pivotal role in shaping the party’s strategy towards women ahead of the 2026 general elections.
Kobusingye secured a resounding victory with 1,839 votes, far outstripping her closest competitor, Faridah Kimbowa, who garnered 670 votes. The election was marked by the dramatic last-minute withdrawal of the incumbent, Lydia Wanyoto, a veteran party mobilizer, signaling a significant generational change within the league’s leadership.
The victory automatically earns Kobusingye a seat on the powerful NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC), where she will be the primary voice advocating for women’s interests at the highest level of the party’s decision-making structure.
A Profile in Leadership and Development
Hailing from Bushenyi District, the new chairperson is not a newcomer to leadership roles. A holder of a degree in Development Studies from Makerere University, Kobusingye has built a formidable reputation in both business and community transformation.
Her extensive portfolio includes serving as the Board Chairperson of Igara Growers Tea Factory and as the Founding Chairperson of the Igara-Buhweju Tea Farmers Sacco (IGABU). She also sits on the board of the Uganda Hotel Owners Association (UHOA). Beyond business, she is a dedicated philanthropist, recognized as a Major Donor-level Rotarian for her focused efforts on poverty alleviation and leadership development.
A Vision for Transformation and Empowerment
In her new role, Kobusingye has outlined a clear vision focused on socio-economic transformation and mindset change among Ugandan women. She aims to challenge deep-seated societal norms that hinder progress and is particularly passionate about mentoring the next generation of women entrepreneurs.
Her objectives include promoting informed decision-making, advancing gender equality, and driving economic empowerment programs that resonate at the grassroots level, aligning with the broader goals of the NRM party.
Political Implications and the Road Ahead
Kobusingye’s landslide victory is widely interpreted as a strategic move by the party to revitalize its women’s wing ahead of the crucial 2026 polls. It marks a departure from the old guard and introduces a leader with a strong development and business background, which is expected to influence the league’s approach to policy and mobilization.
The conference itself was not without its challenges, as delegates faced logistical and facility issues, prompting President Yoweri Museveni to approve additional financial support for attendees. The election was conducted through a traditional method of lining up behind the preferred candidates.
Officially recognized on the NRM website as the new chairperson, Adrine Kobusingye is now expected to play a key role in strengthening grassroots structures, mobilizing female voters, and ensuring that women’s issues are prominently represented within the party’s agenda. The nation will be watching to see how her vision translates into action in the coming months.
Election Results at a Glance:
· Adrine Kobusingye: 1,839 votes
· Faridah Kimbowa: 670 votes
· Sarah Ochieng: 19 votes
· Faridah Nakalawo: 3 votes
· Rehema Kyanika: 2 votes
· Lydia Wanyoto: Withdrew
About The Author
