Ugandan Minister for the Presidency, Milly Babalanda, secured the National Resistance Movement (NRM) flag bearer position for the Budiope West constituency in Buyende district on Wednesday, October 22nd, setting the stage for a direct run for parliamentary representation, according to reports.
Babalanda’s nomination has prompted scrutiny, with some questioning her qualifications and attributing her political ascent to factors beyond merit. Though, supporters and President Yoweri Museveni himself have consistently lauded her dedication and effectiveness, framing her career as a testament to resilience and strategic mobilization. Museveni has described Babalanda as “a fighter recruited in Busoga to help me fight my wars in Kampala,” highlighting her “positive energy” and “fighting force.”
Born on December 5, 1970, in Nalinaibi village, Kamuli District, Babalanda’s early academic performance was mixed. She completed her Primary Leaving Examinations in 1985 and attended Busoga High School, but did not excel in her Senior Four examinations in 1989. She later returned to education, re-sitting Senior Four in 2017 and completing her A-levels in 2019, reportedly to meet academic requirements for a senior presidential advisory role.
Prior to her current role, Babalanda served as Deputy RDC Busia in 2014 and later as Assistant Head of the NRM National Chairman’s office. Her appointment as Deputy RDC was, according to First Deputy Prime Minister Rebecca Kadaga, facilitated despite Babalanda lacking the minimum academic qualifications at the time. Kadaga has publicly stated she forged a recommendation to secure Babalanda’s appointment.
Since assuming the position of Minister of the Presidency in June 2021, Babalanda has overseen the supervision of Resident District Commissioners (RDCs) and their deputies, aiming to improve the implementation of government programs across the country. She has also taken on the responsibility of leading economic mobilization efforts in the Busoga sub-region.
In September 2023, Babalanda received an award from the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) in recognition of her contribution to the fight against HIV/AIDS in Uganda. Her efforts have included working to expose internal factionalism within the NRM, a move commended by President Museveni as fostering unity and stability within the party.
Babalanda’s campaign for the Budiope West constituency is centered around a platform of “Consolidating the Gains,” aligning with the NRM Manifesto for 2026-2031. Key campaign pillars include continued investment in infrastructure, particularly road development, improvements to healthcare access and support for agricultural initiatives.
The nomination process is scheduled to be completed at the Electoral Commission offices in Buyende. Babalanda has framed her candidacy as a continuation of her public service, emphasizing a commitment to addressing the needs of her constituents through direct representation in Parliament.
