MUGABE R
The National Resistance Movement (NRM) party has secured the Rukungiri Municipal Council Mayorship for the first time since the municipality was created in 1996, ending nearly 30 years of opposition leadership.
The mayoral seat had previously been held by Charles Makuru, who served under opposition political formations including the Reform Agenda, Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), and later the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), before retiring due to age.
The Rukungiri Returning Officer, Namara K. Abasi, declared Kansiime Boaz Matiita of the NRM as the duly elected Mayor after polling 5,759 votes. Matiita defeated Denis Ngabirano of PFF, who garnered 5,126 votes, while Barikudembe Otiko of JEMA came last with 88 votes.
Speaking after the declaration, Kansiime Boaz Matiita expressed gratitude to the people of Rukungiri for the trust they had placed in him and called for unity among all candidates and the general public to improve service delivery in the municipality.
Meanwhile, Prof. Fred Besigye, who was re-elected as Councilor for Northern B Ward in Eastern Division, appreciated voters for their continued support and emphasized the need for sustainable service delivery.
The Returning Officer, Namara K. Abasi, applauded voters, security agencies, and election officials for conducting peaceful elections. He noted that the Biometric Voter Verification Kits (BVVKs) functioned effectively and called upon voters to turn up in large numbers for the elections of Persons with Disabilities scheduled for the 30th, and the Sub-County elections slated for 4th February.
