RDC Summons Rubabo MP Aspirants Ahead of NRM Re-election in 6 Villages
Rukungiri: The Resident District Commissioner (RDC) for Rukungiri, Bron Kikanshemeza, has summoned all NRM aspirants in the Rubabo Constituency parliamentary race for a meeting today September 2, at 4:00 pm at his office.
Kikanshemeza revealed this in an interview with our reporter this afternoon, noting that the meeting aims to resolve disputes and ensure peace ahead of the re-election scheduled for Monday, September 8, 2025, in seven polling stations.
The National Resistance Movement (NRM) Electoral Tribunal, in a ruling dated August 22, 2025 and signed by panel head Elton Mugabi, nullified the earlier victory of Mathias Rwabugumi. The tribunal ordered fresh elections in Nyakiju, Rugarama, Rusharara, Rweere, Rwenkuriju, and Nyambambo polling stations. It further directed that the official declaration of the Rubabo County flag bearer will only be made after results from these stations are tallied.
This followed a petition by Bob Rugonde challenging the July 17, 2025 primaries. Rwabugumi had been declared winner with 10,264 votes (23.7%), narrowly beating Rugonde who polled 9,704 votes (22.4%). Rugonde alleged that some of his stronghold polling stations were excluded from the final tally. The controversy also led to the arrest of Rukungiri District NRM Registrar, Wright Mwongyera, who is facing charges of forgery and tampering with election results.
According to RDC Kikanshemeza, all candidates who participated in the previous election will take part in the re-run, with the spotlight on the tight contest between Rugonde and Rwabugumi. He added that each candidate is expected to attend today’s meeting with only five people accompanying them.
Kikanshemeza stressed that the meeting is intended to harmonize disputes, especially in areas where threats and violence have been reported. He vowed to deploy adequate security to guarantee a peaceful exercise.
“If we managed to conduct a peaceful election in over 800 cells across the district, we can’t fail to maintain order and harmony in just seven polling stations,” Kikanshemeza assured.
CUE IN…..BRON ON SUMMON…RR