The Kisoro District Council, with input from Kigezi sub-region political leaders and citizens, has appointed Nyiraneza Ruth as the successor to the late Sarah Nyirabashitsi Mateke. Ruth Nyiraneza, the younger sister of the late Minister Sarah Nyirabashitsi Mateke, was chosen to fill the vacancy.
The motion to appoint Nyiraneza was introduced by Nyakinama Subcounty LCV Councilor Diana Nakato during a special council session held at Mateke’s ancestral home in Bugishe Village, Nyakabingo Parish, Chahi Subcounty, Kisoro District.
Bukimbiri County Legislator Eddy Kwizera Wagahungu criticized the idea of holding by-elections with just one year remaining in the term of the deceased Sarah Nyirabashitsi Mateke. He argued that by-elections would lead to unnecessary government spending, resource allocation issues, financial burdens, and disruptions to local businesses and economies.
Bufumbira North Legislator John Nizeyimana Kamara endorsed Ruth Nyiraneza as the ideal successor, urging all other candidates interested in the Kisoro district woman MP seat to wait for next year’s National Resistance Movement primaries rather than expending resources on by-elections.
The appointment was supported by Rubanda District LCV Chairman Stephen Ampeire Kasyaba, Kabale District LCV Chairman Nelson Nshangabasheija, Rukiga District LC5 Chairman Mbabazi Robert, and Kanungu LCV Chairman Arinaitwe Sam Jajojo. They commended the decision, believing that selecting a family member was a preferable alternative to holding by-elections.
All district councilors approved the motion with unanimous consent.
