Kisoro, Uganda — A wave of political change swept across Kisoro District on Thursday as long-serving Members of Parliament were voted out during the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party primaries across all five constituencies: Bufumbira North, Bufumbira South, Bufumbira East, Bukimbiri, and Kisoro Municipality.
The elections commenced at 10:00 AM and concluded at 2:00 PM, with vote counting continuing overnight and final results announced early Friday morning. Despite minor irregularities, the process was largely peaceful.
Bufumbira East: Dr. Nsababuturo Defeated After 20 Years in Parliament
The biggest upset occurred in Bufumbira East, where Dr. James Nsababuturo, the area MP for two decades, was defeated by political newcomer Roland Kanya Nkurumah.
District NRM Returning Officer Tadeo Majambere announced the results at 10:30 PM:
- Roland Kanya Nkurumah – 16,725 votes (53.1%)
- Dr. James Nsababuturo – 12,756 votes (40%)
- Tumwizere Christopher – 1,384 votes (4.4%)
- Abel Bizimana (Kisoro District Governor) – 588 votes (1.8%)
- Dr. Adrian Niyimpa Dungu – 243 votes (0.7%)
Nkurumah thanked voters for their trust and pledged to deliver on his campaign promises in the upcoming general elections.
Kisoro Municipality: Byibesho Returns Amid Divided Opposition
With the incumbent not seeking re-election, former MP Sam Byibesho was declared the winner at 9:00 PM. He leveraged his political experience and took advantage of divisions among his rivals.
The final tally:
- Sam Byibesho – 4,270 votes (43.9%)
- Dr. Leo Mfitimana – 2,788 votes (28%)
- Emmanuel Maniraguha – 2,674 votes (25%)
Despite his rising popularity during the campaign, Dr. Mfitimana blamed his defeat on alleged malpractice, including claims that students participated in the vote. He vowed to contest as an independent in the general elections.
However, Majambere refuted the allegations, affirming that the voters’ register was used in most polling areas and that the election was peaceful and fair.
Bufumbira North: Incumbent Kamara Defeated After 15 Years
In another major shake-up, Habyara Fortunate Gatare won the Bufumbira North seat with 11,947 votes, defeating 15-year incumbent John Nizeyimana Kamara, who secured 6,313 votes.
Other candidates included:
- Arinitwe Fortune – 128 votes
- Mugisha John Bosco – 14 votes
Bukimbiri: Vocal MP Eddie Kwizera Ousted
In Bukimbiri, outspoken MP Eddie Kwizera Wagahungu was unseated by Asgario Turyagyenda, who garnered 16,495 votes (55%) to Kwizera’s 13,582 votes (45%).
Kwizera rejected the results, alleging massive irregularities, including the use of unauthorized registers and voting by unregistered individuals. He announced plans to run as an independent.
Woman MP Race: Grace Ngabirano Clinches NRM Flag
Akifeza Grace Ngabirano emerged victorious in the race for the NRM Woman MP flag, securing 74,252 votes (63.5%) against Mahirwe Irene, who received 42,723 votes.
Ngabirano was officially declared the winner at 6:47 AM at the Kisoro District Council Hall.
Bufumbira South Elections Suspended Over Irregularities
Elections in Bufumbira South were suspended after it was discovered that seven polling stations had not voted.
The affected areas include:
- Murambi, Migyeshi, Nyabitara (Nyakinama Subcounty)
- Kabaya, Busoka, Kalami (Nyarusiza Subcounty)
- Muramba Subcounty Headquarters
According to the Kigezi Region Police Spokesperson, there are suspicions the omissions were deliberate, possibly as part of a rigging attempt. This sparked chaos and forced a postponement of the vote counting.
Majambere confirmed a meeting is scheduled for Friday to determine the next steps. Sources point to a tight race between incumbent Alex Seruganda and former MP Sam Bitangaro.
