Kisoro Woman MP By-Election: Grace Akifeza Ngabirano Triumphs Over NRM's Rose Kabagyenyi in Tense Race

*By John Kusolo*

Kisoro, Uganda – In a thrilling conclusion to the Kisoro Woman Member of Parliament by-election, independent candidate Grace Akifeza Ngabirano emerged victorious, overcoming a significant challenge from her former rival, Rose Kabagyeni of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM). Declared the winner by Kisoro District Returning Officer Daniel Nayebare at 1:30 am on Friday, Akifeza clinched the seat with 50,459 votes, beating Kabagyeni’s tally of 44,982 votes by over 5,000 votes.

This unexpected victory marks the end of a heated contest to replace the late Sarah Mateke, who had represented the southwestern district until her passing in September. Despite facing stiff opposition and divisions within the NRM party, Akifeza managed to pull off an impressive win, capturing the confidence of the electorate in the predominantly NRM-aligned district.

The Kisoro by-election began with an unusual series of events. Initially, district leaders and party officials had thrown their support behind Ruth Nyiraneza, the daughter of NRM district chairman Philemon Mateke, to run for her late aunt’s seat. However, Nyiraneza withdrew from the race early on, leading the party to select 12 candidates to participate in the primaries.

In an unexpected turn, President Museveni, NRM’s party chairman, urged 12 of the candidates to step down to support Grace Akifeza, considering her a strong representative for the party. Five candidates complied with Museveni’s directive, while seven others insisted on their right to contest in the primaries. In the end, Kabagyeni managed to secure the party flag with a narrow margin of 700 votes over Akifeza. This victory, however, sparked internal strife within the district as Mateke, a powerful political figure in the region, voiced his dissatisfaction with Kabagyeni’s candidacy and endorsed Akifeza’s independent run.

Kabagyeni’s selection as the official NRM candidate led to public discontent, especially among those who believed the choice did not represent the district’s preferences. The internal rift intensified as Akifeza rallied her supporters, vowing to contest the by-election as an independent. With Mateke’s support, she rebranded her campaign to highlight her independence and determination to represent Kisoro’s interests without external influence.

The campaign leading up to the by-election was marked by an intense rivalry between Akifeza and Kabagyeni, with each candidate emphasizing distinct visions for the district. Akifeza’s independent campaign gained momentum by highlighting her resolve to stand up against the NRM’s top brass and emphasize local interests. Her rallies attracted large crowds, especially those dissatisfied with the perceived imposition of Kabagyeni as the party candidate.

Akifeza’s messaging resonated deeply with Kisoro’s electorate, many of whom shared the sentiment that the region’s political leadership should reflect grassroots choices rather than directives from higher NRM authorities. Kabagyeni, on the other hand, championed continuity and stability, leveraging her ties to the ruling party and its achievements in Kisoro over the years. However, despite her alignment with the NRM, Kabagyeni struggled to match Akifeza’s popularity on the ground.

As voting day approached, the tension in Kisoro was palpable, with many awaiting the outcome of a race that symbolized more than just a parliamentary seat. The by-election became a referendum on the NRM’s influence in Kisoro and a test of Akifeza’s ability to harness local support in defiance of party lines.

The long wait for the official results ended in the early hours of Friday when District Returning Officer Daniel Nayebare declared Grace Akifeza Ngabirano as the winner at exactly 1:30 am. The announcement broke a foggy night of suspense and marked a significant shift in Kisoro’s political landscape. Akifeza had secured her position with a decisive lead of 5,477 votes over Kabagyeni.

The outcome revealed stark voting patterns, as the remaining candidates—Cyimpaye Aisha (PPP), Ingabire Mable (UPC), Musanase Juliet (FDC), and Zubedi Sultana Salim (NUP)—all received fewer than 1,000 votes. Their low tallies underscored the dominance of Akifeza and Kabagyeni, who together captured the district’s political landscape.

Akifeza’s triumph in Kisoro has sent ripples across Uganda’s political scene. Her success as an independent candidate against the NRM candidate demonstrates a growing sentiment among some voters to assert their autonomy in choosing representatives based on their personal appeal rather than party affiliations. This victory, however, may deepen internal debates within the NRM as party officials assess the implications of this loss in a district traditionally considered a stronghold.

For Akifeza, the task ahead is clear. She will represent Kisoro in Parliament for the next year, advocating for her constituents before the 2026 general elections. Her campaign promises focused on issues specific to Kisoro, including improved infrastructure, healthcare, and education. As an independent, Akifeza will need to navigate Parliament’s dynamics without direct party support, a challenge she appears ready to face given her independent path to victory.

In her victory speech, Akifeza expressed gratitude to her supporters and reiterated her commitment to serve Kisoro with dedication and transparency. Her win marks not only a personal achievement but also a pivotal moment for Kisoro’s representation in Uganda’s Parliament.

Grace Akifeza Ngabirano’s victory in the Kisoro Woman MP by-election is a testament to the power of local support and the changing tides in Uganda’s political arena. Her win challenges the status quo in a district long aligned with the NRM and underscores the potential for independent candidates to succeed against established party structures. As Kisoro’s new Woman MP, Akifeza’s tenure in Parliament will be watched closely, both by her supporters in Kisoro and by political observers across Uganda, eager to see how her independent approach influences her work and the district’s future.