Ms Rose Kabagyeni, former Kisoro District MP (2016-2021), was last night announced as the winner of the NRM party primaries for the Kisoro District MP seat.

She beat seven other competitors, receiving 39,941 votes (47.7 percent). The seat became vacant following the death of Sarah Nyirabashitsi Mateke last month.

Dr Tanga Odoi, chairman of the NRM party’s electoral commission, declared Kabagyeni the winner, narrowly beating Grace Akifeza Ngabirano by 744 votes (39,197).

Other candidates included Irene Mahirwe (1,729 votes), Fancy Brenda Nirere (1,593 votes), Winfred Faith Igiraneza (510 votes), Jemimah Irankunda (363 votes), Blessed Kitentera (248 votes) and Mbonye Hellen (111 votes) .

However, the results from Mutorele Hospital polling station were canceled due to discrepancies.

Dr Odoi advised Kabagyeni to prioritize Kisoro’s interests and unite with his competitors. He expressed concern about the high rate of alcoholism in Kisoro and the involvement of religious leaders in politics.

“The winner should think of Kisoro first. The winner should look for a way to call the other candidates, sit together and talk about Kisoro,” Dr Odoi advised.

Ms Grace Akifeza Ngabirano contested the results, citing irregularities and harassment by polling agents.

“I do not accept the results because there were many irregularities. My poll workers were really harassed in some places, in some places,” she noted.

Kigezi regional spokesperson, Mr Elly Maate, said the election took place without major incident, but with minor problems which were resolved at the polling stations.