NELSON K
The ongoing National Resistance Movement (NRM) subcounty structure elections across Uganda faced significant setbacks in Rukungiri District, with reports of violence, vote rigging, and register fraud marring the integrity of the process.
Despite district officials reporting that 14 out of 16 subcounties in Rukungiri successfully conducted the elections on May 16, 2025, two subcounties—Bwambara and Southern Division—were unable to complete the exercise due to inflated voter registers and alleged vote rigging. According to Rukungiri District NRM Registrar Mr. Mugarura Jackson, voting in these subcounties has been postponed to May 17 at 2:00 p.m. to allow authorities to rectify the anomalies.
In Nyakishenyi Subcounty, tensions flared after Charles Muhwezi defeated incumbent LC3 Chairperson Twinonujuni Wednesday by 187 to 157 votes. Although the subcounty chairperson position was decided, elections for other committee organs were postponed due to procedural issues. Muhwezi, speaking to Boona FM, expressed gratitude for the trust voters placed in him, noting that he had been pursuing leadership roles since 2006.
Elsewhere, in Western Division, chaos erupted as voters led by community leaders, including Muhumuza Jeffrey, Nowamani Emanuel, and Turyabagyenyi Emmy, protested the announced results. They cited vote rigging and inflated registers, demanding a by-election and calling on the district NRM leadership to intervene. Contestant Precious Mwesigwa, who lost to Michael Byarugaba, alleged that her votes were intentionally altered and that some of her supporters, including disabled voters, were violently attacked.
In Eastern Division, electoral-related violence broke out at Kagashe Playground, disrupting the veterans’ election. While Mr. Kashumbusha Lorence Tycoon was re-elected as NRM chairperson and Mr. Mucunguzi Fred won vice chairperson unopposed, the veterans’ election was suspended following disagreements over voter eligibility. Retired Sergeant Banyenzaki Emmanuel Kamugisha, the incumbent veterans chairperson, accused the registrar of allowing ineligible voters—including non-veterans without proper documentation—to participate in the election.
Eastern Division Registrar Keshobiire Charles confirmed that the veterans’ election was canceled and rescheduled for May 17, 2025. He emphasized that only verified veterans with retirement certificates would be allowed to vote.
The scenes in Rukungiri raise serious concerns about the transparency and fairness of the NRM’s internal democratic processes. As electoral malpractice and violence continue to surface, many voters and candidates are questioning the credibility of the structures meant to uphold democratic values within the ruling party.
