The Rukungiri Chief Magistrate’s Court has granted bail to Wright Mwongyera, the Rukungiri District National Resistance Movement (NRM) elections officer, who was recently arrested on allegations of electoral malpractice.
Mwongyera was arrested last Friday following accusations that he failed to tally results from eight polling stations in Buyanja Sub-county during the NRM primary elections for the Rubabo County parliamentary flag. The omitted results reportedly favored Alex Bob Rugonde, one of the candidates, who claims the incident contributed to his loss.
Grade I Magistrate His Worship Mbarabgu Gonzaga granted Mwongyera a non-cash bail of UGX 15 million, with each of his three sureties bonded at UGX 10 million. He is scheduled to return to court on September 15, 2025, for the hearing.
The sureties include, Samuel Mpamize (73), a peasant from Rusoroza A Cell, Rwerere Town Council, Henry Ngateireyo (68), Mwongyera’s father and Garshom Mutungura (51), Mwongyera’s uncle
As part of his bail conditions, Mwongyera is prohibited from traveling outside Rukungiri District without court approval, must not interfere with investigations, and is required to attend all court sessions.
Speaking to the media, Rugonde welcomed the court’s decision and urged his supporters to remain calm. He called on the court to expedite the trial to help him determine whether to contest as an independent candidate the case should not be resolved in his favor.
Mwongyera’s lawyer, Sarah Nasike, thanked the court for granting bail, saying it would allow her client time to prepare for the trial.
Meanwhile, some of Rugonde’s supporters have appealed to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to intervene, warning that the incident could impact the NRM party’s performance in the 2026 general elections.
In the recently concluded NRM primaries for Rubabo County, Mathias Mwesigwa emerged the winner with 10,264 votes (23.7%), followed by Alex Bob Rugonde – 9,704 (22.4%), David Ndindirize – 9,363 (21.6%), Busingye Dorren – 7,686 (17%), Twebaze Doreen – 1,811 (4.2%) and Twinomujuni Ibrahim – 104 (0.2%)
The case remains under investigation as court proceedings continue.
