By Gilbert Akampa Kakurugu,
KISORO
The National Resistance Movement (NRM) has declared former Kisoro district MP Rose Kabagyenyi, their party flag bearer in the forthcoming woman MP by-election after she garnered the highest number of votes in the Friday party primaries.
The Kisoro district woman MP seat fell vacant after the death of Hon. Sarah Mateke Nyirabashitsi, former State Minister for Defence and Veteran Affairs in September. At least eight candidates were contesting to hold NRM party flag in the by-election, and Kabagyenyi emerged victorious.
According to the results announced by the NRM Electoral Commission chairman, Dr. Tanga Odoi, Kabagyenyi obtained 39,941 votes (47.7%) against her immediate opponent Grace Akifeza Ngabirano with a margin of 744 votes after she polled 39,197 votes (46.8%).
Mahirwe Irene became third after obtaining 1729 (2.1%) votes, Nirere Fancy Brenda became fourth after garnering 1593 (1.9%) votes
Other contestants included Ingiraneza Winfred Faith (0.5%), Irankunda Jemimah (0.4%), Kintentera Blessed (0.3%) and Mbonye Hellen (0.2%) votes.
It should be recalled that a section of political leaders from Kisoro, led by Eddie Kwizera Wagahungu, Bukimbiri County MP, and John Ninzeyimana Kamara, Bufumbira North MP, had proposed Mateke’s sister, Ruth Nyirabeza to replace her without a formal election. However, she declined the proposal and did not pick expression of interest forms.
Meanwhile, other political parties like FDC, NUP are yet to nominate their candidates in the by-election.
The electoral commission has set nomination of candidates for Kisoro district woman MP on 30th and 31st October, 2024, at district returning officer offices while polling day is scheduled for November 14.
