By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
MITOOMA
The Mitooma District Woman Member of Parliament, Juliet Agasha Bashiisha, has accused the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa Bangirana, of betraying her following her defeat in the just-concluded 2026 elections.
“I lost the election, but I was betrayed by my leader and friend. I will pray for him,” Bashiisha said during a live political talk show on Radio West on Sunday.
Bashiisha was reffering to Tayebwa’s open support for the National Resistance Movement (NRM) flag bearer, Rebecca Kyarampe Namanya, who won the Mitooma District Woman MP seat for the 2026–2031 term.
According to results announced by the Mitooma District Electoral Commission Returning Officer, Nahamya Coleb, Kyarampe garnered 43,684 votes (62.17%) to defeat Bashiisha, who obtained 23,773 votes (33.83%). Faith Kyohairwe came third with 2,808 votes (4.00%).
Out of the 120,776 registered voters, a total of 70,846 votes were cast, representing a voter turnout of 58.66%. Valid votes stood at 70,265, while 581 votes were invalid. Spoilt votes were 97.
Although she conceded defeat, Bashiisha attributed her loss to what she described as betrayal by Tayebwa, without giving specific details.
The fallout follows the NRM primaries held in September last year, during which Tayebwa initially supported Bashiisha. After she lost the party flag to Kyarampe, Tayebwa, in line with party guidelines, threw his weight behind the flag bearer, a move Bashiisha now views as a betrayal.
Addressing voters recently in Rwoburunga and Kanyabwanga, Tayebwa defended his decision.
“I came here and asked you not to vote for her and urged you to vote for my sister who I already have in Parliament, but some of you defied and voted for her,” Tayebwa said. “I promised that if she doesn’t win, I would back the flag bearer. And here I am.”
Tayebwa dismissed claims of betrayal, saying political support is not a love affair that binds one to a single choice forever.
“Political affairs are not like writing a romantic love letter,” he said, adding that political choices can change depending on circumstances.
Meanwhile, the winner, Kyarampe, has thanked voters in Mitooma for their overwhelming support and pledged to serve them diligently.
“From the depths of my heart, I thank you for the overwhelming love, trust and confidence you placed in me,” Kyarampe said in a statement. “Your massive support was not just a vote but a powerful statement of belief in leadership, equality and progress. I am deeply humbled and committed to serving you with integrity, courage and dedication.”
She added: “Together, we shall transform our shared dreams into lasting impact. Thank you for believing and standing with me.”
