Rukungiri NRM Registrar Granted Bail Over Electoral Malpractice Charges
Rukungiri: The Rukungiri Chief Magistrate’s Court has granted bail to the Rukungiri District National Resistance Movement (NRM) elections officer Wright Mwongyera, who was recently arrested over allegations of electoral malpractice.
Mwongyera was arrested last Friday July 25, following accusations that he failed to tally results from eight polling stations in Buyanja Sub-county. The results in question had favored Alex Bob Rugonde, one of the contestants in the NRM primary elections for the Rubabo County Member of Parliament flag. Rugonde claims that this failure contributed to his defeat, prompting the arrest of the district registrar.
This afternoon July 28, Grade I Magistrate His Worship Mbarabgu Gonzaga granted Mwongyera a non-cash bail of Ugx 15 million. His sureties were each bonded at Ugx 10 million. Mwongyera was ordered to reappear in court on September 15, 2025, for the hearing of the case.
The sureties include 73-year-old Samuel Mpamize, a peasant from Rusoroza A Cell, Rusoroza Ward, Rwerere Town Council; 68-year-old Henry Ngateireyo, Mwongyera’s biological father from the same area; and 51-year-old Garshom Mutungura, an uncle to the accused.
Court set strict conditions for Mwongyera’s release. He is not allowed to travel beyond the borders of Rukungiri District without court permission. He must not interfere with ongoing investigations and must attend all court sessions without fail.
Speaking to the media after the court session, Alex Bob Rugonde welcomed the court’s decision, saying he was happy with the progress so far. He urged his supporters to remain calm and patient as the court process continues. Rugonde also called on the court to expedite the trial so that he can decide whether to return to the race as an independent candidate, should the ruling not favor him.
Sarah Nasike, the lawyer representing Mwongyera, thanked the court for granting her client bail, saying it would give him time to refresh and prepare for the trial.
In the recently concluded NRM primary elections for Rubabo County, Mathias Mwesigwa was declared the winner after polling 10,264 votes (23.7%). He was followed by Alex Bob Rugonde with 9,704 votes (22.4%), David Ndindirize with 9,363 votes (21.6%), Busingye Dorren with 7,686 votes (17%), Twebaze Doreen with 1,811 votes (4.2%), and Twinomujuni Ibrahim with 104 votes (0.2%).
The case remains under investigation as court proceedings continue.
