The 2026 general elections have triggered a major political shake-up in the Ankole sub-region, with 13 sitting Members of Parliament losing their seats across several districts and municipalities.
In Mbarara City North, incumbent MP Robert Mwesigwa Rukaari was defeated by National Resistance Movement (NRM) flag bearer Christopher Bakashaba in a tightly contested race. Rukaari, who ran as an independent after losing in the NRM primaries, polled 4,802 votes against Bakashaba’s 5,478.
In Mbarara City South, Ritah Atukwase Bwahika also lost her seat after polling 22,526 votes. She was defeated by Charity Kibaaju Kamuhanda, who secured 23,413 votes. Bwahika had similarly contested as an independent after failing to secure the NRM ticket.
In Mitooma District, incumbent Woman Member of Parliament Juliet Agatha Bashiisha was voted out after polling 23,773 votes. Her challenger, Rebecca Kyarampe, won the seat decisively with 43,684 votes.
In Ruhinda South, Capt. Donozio Kahonda lost his parliamentary seat to Arthur Atuheir Kazoora, who polled 12,163 votes.
Buhweju District recorded some of the most notable changes. Francis Mwijukye of the People Front for Freedom (PFF), a former Commissioner of Parliament who had served for 15 years, lost his seat after polling 9,790 votes. He was defeated by first-time contender Eng. Zadock Mutekaga, who secured 11,322 votes.
In Buhweju West, another incumbent, Ephraim Biraro, was defeated by NRM’s John Bosco Kariisa, who garnered 15,786 votes against Biraro’s 9,874.
In Ntungamo Municipality, Yona Musinguzi lost his seat after polling 2,824 votes. He was defeated by independent candidate Gerard Karuhanga, who collected 3,967 votes.
In Ruhaama County, Beatrice Rwakimari emerged victorious with 30,813 votes, defeating incumbent Henry Nkwasibwe Zinkuratire, who polled 19,891.
In Sheema South, Eliajah Mushemeza Dickens was defeated by Ephraim Kamuntu, who secured 15,337 votes compared to Mushemeza’s 10,417.
In Rwampara District, the incumbent Rwampara East MP Julius Tusiime Karuhanga lost his seat after polling 11,669 votes. Former MP Charles Ngabirano reclaimed the constituency with 12,306 votes.
Mbarara District saw two incumbents voted out. Woman MP Margaret Rwebyambu lost after polling 16,021 votes, defeated by Loydah Kyarikunda Muhimbura who secured 31,364 votes. In Kashari North, Bazil Bataringaya was defeated by Patrick Musinguzi, who polled 11,904 votes against Bataringaya’s 10,308.
In Rubirizi District, Katerera County MP Kato Muhamad lost his seat after polling 5,376 votes. He was defeated by independent candidate Boaz Atwijukire, who secured 16,303 votes.
The outcome reflects shifting voter preferences across Ankole, with the 2026 elections producing one of the region’s most significant parliamentary turnovers in recent years.
