Summary:
- Currently, Rubabo is represented by Naboth Namanya of the FDC in the 11th Parliament.
- The county was previously a stronghold of the NRM since the Movement took power in 1986.
- It is now uncertain if NRM will reorganize and reclaim the seat from the FDC.
RUKUNGIRI: More than nine people have expressed interest in competing for the NRM parliamentary flag in the Rubabo constituency in the fourth coming 2025 Party Elections.
Currently, Rubabo is represented by Naboth Namanya of the FDC in the 11th Parliament. The county was previously a stronghold of the NRM since the Movement took power in 1986. It is now uncertain if NRM will reorganize and reclaim the seat from the FDC.
Boaz Atukunda, a boda boda rider in Nyakishenyi, stated that Naboth Namanya’s mission is over and that the people of Rubabo are returning to the NRM party.
“We were tired of Hon. Mary Paula Turyahikayo, who was our MP for three consecutive terms. We supported the FDC to push her out, which we successfully did. Therefore, we must vote NRM come 2026,” Atukunda said.
Rubabo has had four Members of Parliament since the NRM took power in 1986. Prof. George Mondo Kagonyera served in the NRC, Henry Tumukunde represented Rubabo in the Constituency Assembly of 1994/95, Prof. George Kagonyera served from 1996 to 2006, followed by Mary Paula Turyahikayo from 2006 to 2021, who was ousted by FDC’s Naboth Namanya in 2021.
The nine candidates who have shown interest in participating in the NRM primary to take up the flag are as follows, with more expected to join:
David Tushabomwe Ndindi
A two-time contestant from Nyakatunga in Nyarushanje sub-county. He is the NRM sub-county chairperson and one of the directors of Team University based in Kampala, which has branches across Uganda.
Mathius Mwesigwa Rwabugumi
A businessman from Bwanga parish in Nyarushanje sub-county, he is the district councilor representing Nyarushanje sub-county and the Secretary of Social Services for Rukungiri district.
Recently, his friends urged him to become the Rubabo County shadow MP, which could either help or hinder his campaign.
Alex Bob Rugonde
A former employee of the Uganda Coffee Development Authority, born in Nyakiju, Buyanja sub-county. He is a newcomer to the politics of Rubabo and Rukungiri.
Mujuni Mpitsi Lawrence
Born in Nyakishenyi, Nyakisorooza Trading Centre, he has held various positions, including Secretary to the Equal Opportunities Commission, University Secretary/Accounting Officer at Mbarara University of Science and Technology, and Director of East African Community Affairs at the Ministry of East African Community Affairs. Though new to politics, he has quickly gained popularity.
Andrew Niwabaire
A hardworking man currently working with the Ministry of Works and Transport, born in Nyarushanje sub-county. This is his second time showing interest in the seat.
Ernest Katara
A humble man born in Kirimbe, Kafujo parish, Nyakishenyi sub-county, currently working with the National Water and Sewerage Corporation. He believes it is time for Rubabo to have their own son in Parliament.
Doreen Busingye
Born in Buyanja sub-county and married in Kebisoni sub-county, she believes that since the constituency was led by a woman for 15 years, there should be continuity in women’s leadership.
Others who have shown interest include Moses Atamba, Lawrence Twinamatisko Bijoki from Nyarushanje sub-county, Edmond Nasasira, and Gumisiriza Gerald Matabaro.
Public Opinion
Kyomukama Benedicto, a resident of Ndago, Nyarushanje, who coordinated Naboth Namanya’s last campaign, stated that their mission is over and they are returning to the NRM.
Medius Kagambo from Nyarushanje stage said, “As a woman, I am kind. If a man asks me for something for a long time, I offer it. We have been with David Tushabomwe for over 10 years, and it’s time we support him.”
Egood Man from Nyarushanje, who coordinated elections for former MP Paula Turyahikayo, said he will now support a candidate already within the NRM structures.
Currently, David Tushabomwe Ndindi is the only aspiring candidate actively involved in the NRM league, even at the LC1 level.
