Tensions are escalating in Rubabo County, Rukungiri District, after NRM aspirant Mathias Mwesigwa Rwabugumi accused his opponent, Alex Bob Rugonde, of masterminding attacks against his supporters ahead of fresh party primaries in six polling stations.
The clashes erupted days after the NRM Elections Tribunal annulled Rwabugumi’s victory and ordered a re-run. Last Wednesday, two of his supporters, Andrew Gumisiriza and Laban Taremwa, both residents of Nyarushanje were allegedly assaulted while mobilizing support and putting up campaign posters at Bagarame trading centre, Rugarama cell.
The victims, who sustained injuries on the head, shoulders, arms and back, accused Rugonde’s supporters, identified only as Ramazan and Allan, of carrying out the attack.
Rwabugumi condemned the incident, claiming Rugonde had dispatched “goons” to intimidate his camp.
“Instead of resorting to violence, Rugonde should respect the tribunal’s decision and face us in a fair election,” he said. His campaign agent, Onan Kyanyanga, also appealed to politicians to embrace peaceful campaigns.
CUE IN RWABUGUMI…..ON THE MATTER…..RR//
Rwabugumi had earlier been declared winner of the July 17th primaries with 10,264 votes against Rugonde’s 9,704. Rugonde protested the results, citing irregularities in eight polling stations.
The standoff deepened after Rukungiri District NRM registrar Wright Mwongyera ordered Rugonde out of the tally centre, before later being accused of forging results. Mwongyera has since been arrested and is facing charges of forgery and tampering with election results.
In its ruling dated August 22, 2025, the NRM Elections Tribunal, chaired by Elton Mugabi, nullified Rwabugumi’s victory and directed fresh elections in six polling stations: Nyakiju, Rugarama, Rusharara, Rweere, Rwenkuriju, and Nyambambo.
The party said the official declaration of the Rubabo County flag bearer will only be made after results from these stations are tallied.
Efforts to reach Rugonde for comment were unsuccessful, as his known telephone contacts were switched off by press time.
