Chaos Forces NRM Re-Election in Bwambara as Two Candidates Are disqualified

Rukungiri: The Rukungiri District NRM Returning Officer, Kiiza Mugarura Jackson, has disqualified two aspiring candidates for the Bwambara Parish mainstream chairperson seat following chaos that erupted during the earlier election on Monday May 12.

The re-election was held on May 14, at Bwambara Sub-county headquarters after the previous exercise was cancelled due to violent clashes between supporters of rival candidates Christopher Turyarugayo and Godeti Mucunguzi. Police were forced to intervene after physical altercations broke out during the voting process.

Disputes erupted when supporters of Godeti Mucunguzi attempted to convince those aligned with Turyarugayo to switch sides. The situation worsened when unregistered individuals reportedly joined Mucunguzi’s line, raising concerns about the integrity of the vote.

At the start of today’s re-election, Returning Officer Kiiza Mugarura Jackson disqualified both Mucunguzi and Turyarugayo, accusing them of inciting violence. He directed that the polling venue be shifted from the sub-county premises to a nearby playground to ensure enough space for proper voter verification and security monitoring. Police and UPDF officers were deployed to maintain order.

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Voters nominated two new candidates, Didus Kamugisha and Gashomo Muyambi, to contest for the chairperson position. According to security authorities, this decision helped calm the situation. In the final results, Didus Kamugisha won the chairperson seat with 147 votes, while Gashomo Muyambi received 14 votes.

Other winners included Justus Ngabirano, who was elected vice chairperson with 149 votes, defeating Frank Byoruganda who got 16. Denis Nahabwe was elected general secretary with 148 votes, while Wilson Mayanja got 15. Frank Arineitwe Rukanirwa, who is also an aspiring MP for Rujumbura County, won the secretary for publicity position with 149 votes, defeating Monday Rodgers who garnered 15 votes. Peninah Kemirembe won the position of secretary for finance with 140 votes, defeating the current Rukungiri District Secretary for Finance and LC5 councilor for Bwambara Sub-county, Gideon Ntungura, who got 24 votes.

Returning Officer Kiiza Mugarura Jackson concluded by warning the public against engaging in violence during the election season. He urged citizens to cooperate and avoid being divided by politics.

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The Rukungiri Deputy Resident District Commissioner (DRDC), Wilberforce Ahimbisibwe Ongom, who was also present, encouraged the public to work closely with security forces and provide timely information to help ensure public safety.

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The District Police Commander, along with his officers and UPDF personnel, were on the ground to maintain tight security during the entire election exercise.