NICHOLAS A
The Rukungiri District NRM Returning Officer, Mr. Mugarura Kiiza Jack, has disqualified two candidates from the LC2 party flag bearer race for Bwambara Parish, following violent clashes that disrupted the initial election process.
Muchunguzi Godeth and Turyarugayo Christopher were disqualified on Tuesday after their supporters were implicated in a physical altercation that broke out on Monday, 12th May, at Bwambara Sub County headquarters, leading to the abrupt cancellation of the elections.
Mr. Kiiza condemned the violence, attributing it to the two candidates’ failure to control their supporters, and emphasized that such conduct contravenes the NRM party’s values of peace, balance, and fairness.
To enable the electoral process to proceed smoothly, two new candidates — Kamugisha Didas and Muyambi Gershom — were nominated. Kamugisha Didas emerged victorious with 147 votes, while Gershom garnered 14 votes.
Other elected parish officials include:
- Ngabirano Justus – Vice Chairperson
- Nahabwe Denis – General Secretary
- Arinaitwe Frank Rukanirwa – Secretary for Publicity
- Kemirembe Peninah – Secretary for Finance
The rerun of the elections was overseen by the Deputy Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Mr. Ahimbisibwe Wilberforce Ongom, and District Police Commander (DPC) Apollo Kyangungu. Mr. Ongom emphasized the role of security agencies in safeguarding electoral processes and dispelled public fears that their presence is meant to interfere with the outcomes.
Mr. Arinaitwe Frank Rukanirwa, newly elected as Secretary for Publicity and a prospective parliamentary candidate for Rujumbura County, applauded the NRM district secretariat for ensuring a peaceful and transparent election. He dismissed as propaganda rumors suggesting that he intends to withdraw from the parliamentary race.
The district NRM returning officer further urged the electorate to remain peaceful and vote for competent leaders, revealing that the next stage will be the sub-county level elections.
