The National Resistance Movement (NRM) by-election in Rubabo County, covering six polling stations, has been overshadowed by incidents of voter bribery and violence amid heavy security deployment in Rukungiri District.
At Rwenkurijo Primary School polling station, tensions escalated after supporters of aspirant Bob Rugonde accused the camp of aspirant Mathias Rwabugumi of bribing voters with money and drinks inside the school. The situation prompted Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Bron Kikashemeza to intervene and disperse the groups gathering in the classrooms.
Similarly, at Nyakiju polling station in Kitojo Parish, Buyanja Subcounty, violence erupted when residents not listed on the voter register attempted to cast ballots, with some reportedly entering illegally. The incident forced Deputy RDC Wilberforce Ongom to temporarily suspend voting and re-verify eligible voters before resuming the process.
Rugonde, who voted at Nyakiju, condemned the acts of bribery and voter intimidation across all polling stations, saying they suppressed turnout and undermined democratic processes. He warned that such irregularities discourage independent candidates and compromise the integrity of elections.
CUE IN RUGONDE……ON VOTER BRIBERY……RR.ENG//
RDC Kikashemeza also condemned voter bribery and intimidation, emphasizing that while elections would continue, authorities would hold perpetrators accountable. He appealed to residents to ensure transparent voting and avoid conflicts during the process.
CUE IN RDC KIKASHEMEZA…..ON BRIBERY…..RR//
The controversy follows a tribunal ruling on a petition by Bob Rugonde challenging the July 17, 2025, NRM primaries. Mathias Rwabugumi was declared the winner with 10,264 votes (23.7%), narrowly defeating Rugonde, who received 9,704 votes (22.4%).
Rugonde alleged that results from his stronghold polling stations were deliberately excluded from the final tally. The dispute also led to the arrest of Rukungiri District NRM Registrar Wright Mwongyera, who faces charges of forgery and tampering with election results.
The Source Reports.
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