NELSON K
Hon. Mary Paula Turyahikayo, was on Friday 18th July 2025 officially declared the National Resistance Movement (NRM) flag bearer for the Rukungiri District Woman Member of Parliament (MP) seat following a highly competitive party primary held on Thursday, July 17, 2025.
According to the results announced on Friday evening at 8:50 PM by Rukungiri District NRM Elections Officer, Mr. Right Mwongyera, Mary Paula emerged victorious with a commanding 46,512 votes, representing 52.6% of the total votes cast. She beat a strong field of contenders, including Hon. Medius Natukunda Kaharata, who secured 34,961 votes(39.5%), finishing in second place.
Other candidates trailed significantly behind: Innocent Kashobera Enyaangi came third with 3,172 votes (3.6%), followed by Annah Nuwagaba Tumuramye with 2,667 votes (3.0%). Prize Twinomuhangi and Caledonia Bakironda Musimeenta secured 820 (0.9%) and 314 votes (0.4%) respectively.
A total of 85,274 votes were cast in this district-wide primary election. Hon. Mary Paula not only won by margin but also secured the highest percentage share, affirming her widespread support across the district.
Shortly after the announcement, Mr. Mwongyera handed over the official declaration form to Hon. Mary Paula Turyahikayo amid cheers from her supporters gathered at the tally center located in the Rukungiri District Council Hall.
The vote counting in Rukungiri took slightly longer compared to other districts, but final results were also confirmed for key positions. In Rukungiri Municipality, Gen. Henry Tumukunde was declared NRM flag bearer, while in Rujumbura County, Maj. Gen. Jim Muhwezi Katugugu secured the party’s flag.
The NRM primaries in Rukungiri have now officially produced four key flag bearers: Gen. Tumukunde for Rukungiri ,Municipality MP, Mwesigwa Mathius for Rubabo county, Maj. Gen. Muhwezi for Rujumbura County MP, and Hon. Mary Paula Turyahikayo for Rukungiri District Woman MP.
With the primaries concluded, the stage is now set for an intense campaign period as flag bearers prepare to face candidates from other political parties ahead of the 2026 general elections.
