PFF to Sue EC, NRM Winners Over Alleged Election Irregularities in Rukungiri
Rukungiri: The People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) party in Rukungiri District has announced plans to take legal action against the Electoral Commission (EC) and several National Resistance Movement (NRM) candidates who were declared winners in the January 15, 2026 general parliamentary elections.
Speaking at a press conference held this evening January 20, at the PFF district headquarters in Rukungiri town, the PFF District Chairperson, Aloysius Mugarura, said the party is currently gathering evidence to challenge the election results. He alleged that the Electoral Commission failed to follow its own guidelines during the election process.
According to Mugarura, the individuals targeted in the planned court cases include Minister for Security (Rtd) Maj. Gen. Jim Muhwezi Katugugu of Rujumbura Constituency, Mathias Mwesigwa Rwabugumi of Rubabo Constituency, Lt. Gen. Henry Tumukunde Kakurugu of Rukungiri Municipality, and Mary Paula Kebirungi, the declared Rukungiri District Woman Member of Parliament.
The Electoral Commission declared Rtd Maj. Gen. Jim Muhwezi Katugugu the winner for Rujumbura Constituency on Friday, January 16, after he polled 25,005 votes, defeating Fred Tumuheirwe Turyamuhweza of PFF, who garnered 23,307 votes, along with five other candidates.
In Rubabo County, Mathias Mwesigwa Rwabugumi of NRM was declared winner with 16,102 votes, defeating the incumbent Naboth Namanya of PFF, who polled 14,780 votes, and nine other candidates.
For Rukungiri Municipality, Lt. Gen. Henry Tumukunde Kakurugu of NRM was declared the elected Member of Parliament after polling 7,115 votes. He defeated Ingrid Kamateneti Turinawe of PFF, who obtained 6,268 votes, and two other candidates.
In the Woman Member of Parliament race, the Returning Officer declared Mary Paula Kebirungi of NRM the winner at around 3:00 a.m., after she polled 59,448 votes. She defeated the incumbent Midius Natukunda Kaharata, who got 32,794 votes. Other candidates included former Rukungiri Woman MP Betty Bamukwasa Muzanira of PFF, who obtained 18,227 votes, and two others.
Mugarura alleged that the elections were marred by widespread bribery at polling stations, intimidation of voters, and violence. He claimed that he was personally assaulted by people from a rival camp. He further alleged that some polling stations registered 100 percent voter turnout, including votes cast in the names of people who never showed up to vote.
He also accused security officers from different forces, including the UPDF, Prisons, Police, and Marine units, of participating in the voting process and allegedly voting multiple times. Additionally, Mugarura claimed that fake declaration forms were used at some polling stations, which he said is against the law.
He insisted that PFF candidates were the actual winners of the elections, despite the Electoral Commission declaring their opponents victorious.
CUE IN… MUGARURA… RR//ENG
Meanwhile, the defeated Rubabo Constituency MP, Naboth Namanya, said vehicles were seen transporting money alongside armed personnel. He noted that, as a civilian, he had no power to stop such actions. Namanya further alleged that Prisons officers from Nyarushanje Prison abandoned their duty posts and left inmates unguarded as they went out to vote.
CUE IN… NAMANYA… RR//ENG
The Rukungiri District PFF Administrative Secretary, Caleb Musiimenta, said the party has sufficient evidence and is confident of winning the anticipated court cases. He urged PFF supporters to remain hopeful and continue supporting the party in future elections.
CUE IN… MUSIIMENTA… RR//ENG