Grace Akifeza Ngabirano, running as an independent candidate, has won the Kisoro Woman Member of Parliament by-election, defeating her closest rival, NRM’s Rose Kabagyeni, by a margin of 5,477 votes.
The results were announced at 1:44 a.m. by the Kisoro Electoral Commission returning officer, Daniel Nayembare.
Akifeza secured 50,459 votes, while Kabagyeni received 44,982.
Philemon Mateke, the NRM district chairman and a key political figure in Kisoro, is believed to have significantly influenced Akifeza’s success.
The by-election featured five other candidates: Rose Kabagyeni from NRM, Salim Sultana from NUP, Juliet Musanase from FDC, Aisha Cyimpaye from PPP, and Mable Ingabire from UPC. Despite the competition, Akifeza’s victory was decisive.
Reports of electoral malpractice surfaced during the election. Allegations of ballot-stuffing arose at Busasani polling station in Busanza sub-county, reportedly involving John Kamara Niziyemana, the Bufumbira North MP.
Akifeza expressed excitement, attributing her success to teamwork and public support.
“The welcoming I got and the excitement from people built every day, like a bushfire. It’s not surprising that I have won; I saw it coming,” she said.
She also acknowledged Dr. Mateke’s guidance, describing him as a mentor and parental figure during the campaign.
Justice Simon Byabakama, chairman of the Electoral Commission, emphasized the need to address electoral malpractice.
He urged law enforcement to investigate and hold the perpetrators accountable, stating, “It’s high time we dealt firmly with electoral fakery and vandalism.”
Tanga Odoi, NRM’s electoral commission chairman, acknowledged the results but noted that the overall support for the NRM remains strong.
“The opposition got only 2%. This is a clear roadmap for 2026,” he remarked.
He also urged the party to reflect on internal issues and warned against the dangers of ethnicity and religion influencing politics in Kisoro.
Akifeza’s victory highlights shifting dynamics in Kisoro politics and raises questions about the role of independent candidates in shaping the region’s future.
