STAFF REPORTER
Rose Kabagyeni has been declared the winner of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) primaries for the Kisoro District Woman Member of Parliament by-election.
Kabagyeni fills the seat left vacant by the late Sarah Mateke, former State Minister for Defence and Veteran Affairs and Woman MP for Kisoro District, who passed away in early September due to heart complications.
Her victory was announced on Friday at 11:00 p.m. at the Rukiiko Hall in Kisoro District by Dr. Tanga Odoi, Chairman of the NRM Electoral Commission.
Kabagyeni garnered 39,941 votes, defeating her closest rival, Akifeza Grace Ngabirano, who received 39,197 votes. Irene Muhirwe came third with 1,729 votes, followed by Nirere Fancy Brenda with 1,593 votes. Other candidates included Igiraneza Winfred Faith with 510 votes, Irakunda Jemimah with 363 votes, Mbonye Hellen with 111 votes, and Blessed Kitentera with 248 votes.
Dr. Odoi urged Kabagyeni to prioritize serving the residents of Kisoro District and encouraged her to work collaboratively with her former rivals to foster the district’s development.
Although Kabagyeni declined to comment on her victory, Akifeza Grace Ngabirano rejected the results, vowing to challenge them. Ngabirano alleged electoral malpractice, including vote-rigging and intimidation of her agents, and has requested a vote recount.
