Rukungiri Records 26,000 Vote (30.5%) Shortfall in LC5 Polls Compared to Woman MP Elections

Rukungiri: A section of residents in Rukungiri District have expressed concern after the district recorded a shortfall of 26,356 (30.5%) voters in the LC5 chairperson elections compared to those who participated in the Woman MP elections during the recent NRM primaries.

The Woman MP elections were held on July 17, 2025, while the LC5 chairperson polls took place a week later, on July 24, 2025.

In the Woman MP race, Mary Paula Turyahikayo emerged victorious with 46,512 votes (52.6%), defeating the incumbent Hon. Medius Natukunda, who garnered 34,961 votes (39.5%). Other candidates included Innocent Kashobera with 3,172 votes (3.6%), Annah Nuwagaba Tumuramye with 2,667 votes (3.0%), Prize Twinomuhangi with 820 votes (0.9%), and Caledonia Bakironda Musimeenta with 314 votes (0.4%). The total votes cast in this category were 85,274.

In the LC5 chairperson race, Charles Andrewson Katebire won with 29,443 votes (50.0%), followed by incumbent Geoffrey Kyomukama with 14,869 votes (25.2%). Angello Twinomuhangi secured 9,997 votes (17.0%), Denis Mbaasa 3,038 votes (5.2%), Steven Turibyo 867 votes (1.5%), and Rwishe Rwabatongore 704 votes (1.2%). The total votes cast were 58,916.

The statistics indicate that while 85,274 people participated in the Woman MP elections, only 58,916 turned up for the LC5 elections a shortfall of 26,356 voters which is 30.5%.

Speaking to our reporter about the low turnout, Nyarushanje Sub-county LC3 Chairperson Wednesday Twinomujuni attributed the difference to facilitation levels. He said Woman MP candidates had more resources, enabling them to mobilize across the entire district, while LC5 chairperson candidates faced financial limitations, making it harder to reach voters.

Twinomujuni noted that the well-funded campaigns of Woman MP candidates significantly boosted voter participation, unlike the LC5 elections where limited resources hindered mobilization.

CUE IN…..WEDNESDAY….RR.

The district Councilor representing Kebison Town Council, David Kwebangira, also pointed to financial influence as a key factor. He said Woman MP candidates used their resources to persuade voters, leading to higher turnout. He added that voter fatigue, lack of motivation, and boycotts by supporters of losing Woman MP candidates may have contributed to the low LC5 participation.

CUE IN…..DAVID….RR.

Both leaders urged the public, especially voters, to always participate in elections as the only way to choose capable leaders who can address community challenges.