EDITOR
Akifeza Grace Ngabirano, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) candidate who narrowly lost the NRM primaries for the Kisoro District Woman Member of Parliament by-election, is facing mounting pressure from her supporters to legally challenge the election results. This follows an official declaration from Dr. Tanga Odoi, Chairman of the NRM Electoral Commission, naming Rose Kabagyeni as the NRM flagbearer for the November 14 general election. Kabagyeni won by a slim margin, securing 39,941 votes to Akifeza’s 39,197, in a tightly contested race announced late Friday at Rukiiko Hall in Kisoro District.
In a press statement, Akifeza voiced strong allegations of electoral malpractice, citing interference from senior NRM leaders, intimidation of her agents, inflation of voter numbers, and tampering with results. She claimed that electoral guidelines were violated, party registers disregarded, and electoral staff biased. Furthermore, Akifeza alleged that officials were recruited without adherence to party standards, fueling suspicions of external and sectarian influence over the election outcome.
“Many of our complaints raised during the tallying process were either ignored or inadequately addressed,” said Akifeza. “The Electoral Commission announced the results before fully resolving these issues—matters that could have altered the outcome.”
Akifeza’s supporters are reportedly frustrated, with many voicing concerns that the party’s internal democratic processes are under threat. Kisoro District has historically been an NRM stronghold, and Akifeza warned that such disillusionment could weaken party unity in the region.
Calling for the by-election results to be declared null and void, Akifeza demanded a re-run in specific polling centers where, she asserts, electoral malpractices were rampant. She also requested a meeting with electoral and party leadership to directly present her grievances and revealed plans to take legal action against the results. If unsuccessful, she indicated an intention to run as an independent candidate in the upcoming general election.
Despite her grievances, Akifeza expressed gratitude to her supporters, saying, “I thank the people of Kisoro for their overwhelming support. Your victory was visible but stolen by unpatriotic elements.”
As Akifeza prepares to meet with NRM leadership and potentially file a court case, she remains hopeful that the party’s internal conflict-resolution mechanisms will address her concerns, striving to restore faith in NRM’s internal democracy for the sake of unity.
