EDITOR
The NRM Tribunal has nullified the victory of Mathius Mwesigwa Rwabugumi as the duly elected NRM flag bearer for Rubabo County in Rukungiri district, ordering fresh elections at six contested polling stations.
In a ruling dated 22nd August 2025 and signed by panel head Elton Mugabi, the tribunal declared that the official declaration of the NRM flag bearer for Rubabo County will only be made after votes are conducted at the following polling stations: Nyakiju, Rugarama, Rusharara, Rweere, Rwenkuriju, and Nyambambo.
The ruling follows a petition filed by Rwabugumi’s closest contender, Alex Bob Rugonde, who challenged the results of the party primaries held on 17th July 2025. According to the Rukungiri District NRM Registrar, Wright Mwongyera, Rwabugumi was initially declared the winner with 10,264 votes (23.7%), narrowly defeating Rugonde, who garnered 9,704 votes (22.4%).
Rugonde’s petition alleged that some of his stronghold polling stations were excluded from the final count. The controversy led to the arrest of Wright Mwongyera, who is currently out on court bail facing charges of forgery and tampering with election results.
The fresh polls are expected to resolve the dispute and determine the official NRM flag bearer for Rubabo County ahead of the general elections.
