A political wave swept through 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.
The constituencies include, Bufumbira North, Bufumbira South, Bufumbira East, Bukimbiri, and Kisoro Municipality.
Voting began at 10:00 AM and closed at 2:00 PM. Despite minor irregularities, the process was largely peaceful. Vote counting extended through the night, concluding at around 7:00 AM Friday.
Major Upset in Bufumbira East
The biggest upset occurred in Bufumbira East, where Dr. James Nsababuturo, MP for the past 20 years, was defeated by 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 – 588 votes (1.8%)
- Dr. Adrian Niyimpa Dungu – 243 votes (0.7%)
Nkurumah thanked voters for their trust and pledged to deliver on his promises during the general elections.
Byibesho Returns in Kisoro Municipality
In Kisoro Municipality, where the incumbent did not seek re-election, former MP Sam Byibesho reclaimed the NRM flag. Declared winner at 9:00 PM, he polled:
- Sam Byibesho – 4,270 votes (43.9%)
- Dr. Leo Mfitimana – 2,788 votes (28%)
- Emmanuel Maniraguha – 2,674 votes (25%)
Despite gaining popularity during the campaign, internal rivalry between Mfitimana and Maniraguha split the vote, giving Byibesho an advantage.
Mfitimana rejected the results, alleging students had illegally voted and vowed to contest as an independent.
However, Returning Officer Majambere dismissed the claims, affirming that the process was peaceful and conducted using the official NRM voters’ register.
Bufumbira North and Bukimbiri Races
In Bufumbira North, newcomer Habyara Fortunate Gatare ousted incumbent John Nizeyimana Kamara, who had served for 15 years. Gatare polled 11,947 votes, while Kamara got 6,313. Other candidates:
- Arinitwe Fortune – 128 votes
- Mugisha John Bosco – 14 votes
In Bukimbiri, incumbent Eddie Kwizera Wagahungu was defeated by Asgario Turyagyenda:
- Turyagyenda – 16,495 votes (55%)
- Kwizera – 13,582 votes (45%)
Kwizera, a vocal MP for 15 years, rejected the results, alleging irregularities including use of unauthorized voter registers. He announced plans to run as an independent.
Woman MP Flag Goes to Akifeza Grace
Akifeza Grace Ngabirano won the NRM Woman MP flag with a commanding 74,252 votes (63.5%), defeating Mahirwe Irene who polled 42,723 votes. She was declared winner at 6:47 AM at the Kisoro District Council Hall.
Bufumbira South Results Delayed
Unlike other constituencies, elections in Bufumbira South were halted after seven polling stations failed to vote, reportedly due to deliberate interference. Affected stations include Murambi, Migyeshi, Nyabitara (Nyakinama Subcounty), Kabaya, Busoka, Kalami (Nyarusiza Subcounty), and Muramba Subcounty Headquarters.
Kigezi Region Police reported suspicions of foul play aimed at rigging. The disruption led to chaos and postponed vote tallying.
Majambere confirmed that a meeting would be held Friday to determine the next steps. Sources indicate a tight race between incumbent Alex Seruganda and former MP Sam Bitangaro.
