Rubabo NRM Flag Bearer Rivals Harmonize Ahead of Fresh Elections

Rukungiri: The Rubabo County NRM flag bearer aspirants, Bob Rugonde and Mathias Rwabugumi, have agreed to conduct a peaceful re-election in six polling stations scheduled for Monday September 8, next week.

The agreement was reached during a meeting on September 2, evening between the two aspirants and the Rukungiri District Security Committee. The press was not allowed to attend the meeting, which was chaired by Rukungiri Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Bron Kikanshemeza at his office in Rukungiri District headquarters.

RDC Kikanshemeza said he convened the meeting following reports of threats, violence, and intimidation among supporters of the two candidates.

One of the resolutions was that both candidates should advise their supporters to avoid violence and focus on peaceful voting. Each candidate is allowed agents at all polling stations, and both must draft campaign roadmaps to avoid clashing in the same areas. The RDC also warned that anyone engaging in hate speech, violence, or abuse would face arrest.

CUE IN….KIKANSHEMEZA…RR

Speaking after the meeting, Mathias Rwabugumi thanked the RDC’s office for intervening, saying his camp had been worried about the safety of their supporters who had been facing threats during mobilization.

CUE IN…..RWABUGUMI…RR

Bob Rugonde said the meeting helped them resolve their grievances and focus on campaigning peacefully. He noted they were reminded that elections involve both winning and losing, and only one candidate will be declared flag bearer.

CUE IN….RUGONDE…RR

Out of seven candidates who contested in the Rubabo NRM primaries, only Rugonde and Rwabugumi attended the meeting.

The meeting followed a ruling by the NRM Electoral Tribunal on August 22, 2025, nullifying 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 Rubabo County flag bearer would only be declared after tallying results from these stations.

The tribunal ruling came after a petition by Bob Rugonde challenging the July 17th, 2025 primaries. Rwabugumi had been declared winner with 10,264 votes (23.7%), narrowly beating Rugonde who garnered 9,704 votes (22.4%). Rugonde alleged that results from 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 faces charges of forgery and tampering with election results.