RUKUNGIRI
The National Resistance Movement (NRM) Elections Tribunal has nullified the declaration of Mathias Mwesigwa Rwabugumi as the party’s flag bearer for Rubabo County following a petition filed by his rival, Alex Bob Rugonde.
In a ruling delivered on Friday, the tribunal chaired by Elton Mugabe with members Kangye Stanley and Blair Atwebembire ordered fresh elections in six parishes within Buyanja Subcounty: Nyakiju, Rugarama, Rusharara, Rwere, Rwenkuraijo and Nyamambo A. The tribunal found that votes from these polling stations, considered strongholds of Rugonde, were excluded from the final tally.
The tribunal emphasized that the official declaration of the NRM flag bearer for Rubabo constituency will depend on the outcome of the repeat elections in the affected areas.
Tensions flared during the initial vote tally at the Rukungiri District tally center, where Rugonde and his agents were forcibly ejected after challenging the conduct of the returning officer, who was alleged to have affiliations with Rwabugumi. The incident delayed the release of final results by three days.
Speaking after the ruling, Rugonde expressed confidence in the tribunal’s decision, stating, “There was enough evidence to reject the initial results. I would have been surprised if this petition failed.” He thanked the people of Rubabo for their resilience and urged them to remain united and steadfast.
Celebrations erupted in Buyanja Subcounty following the tribunal’s announcement. Simon Aijuka, one of Rugonde’s supporters, declared, “Fresh elections in Buyanja are a sure path for Rugonde to enter Parliament in 2026. Rwabugumi’s team should understand that money doesn’t buy everything. We will fight for our rights and reject imposed candidates.”
