The State Minister for Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives David Bahati has retained has bounced back as Kabale District NRM Mainstream Chairperson, securing a landslide victory over his opponent, Andrew Aja Baryayanga.
Bahati garnered 539 votes, while Baryayanga secured only 49 votes, and Ronald Christmas received a single vote.
Results below;
To match Minister Bahati’s tally, Baryayanga would have needed to multiply his votes 11 times, a margin he couldn’t bridge.
After being declared the winner by Kabale District NRM Registrar Babra Ainebyoona, Minister Bahati pledged to reconcile all party members to ensure NRM’s continued success in the district.
He also vowed to collaborate with party leaders to effectively implement government programs, aiming to eradicate poverty and drive development for all residents in Kabale District. Andrew Aja Baryayanga is new entrant in the NRM party having rejoined it recently.
Hon Bahati’s win should signal to his opponents that he will trounce those they are setting against him in Ndorwa West MP seat.
Buhweju district;
Former Buhweju District Vice Chairperson Godfrey Kabandize has returned to public service, seeking the NRM party’s District Chairmanship. The election was held today at the district headquarters in Nsiika Town Council.
He was elected and won connivingly. Kabandize, also a former councilor for Bihanga Sub-county, brings a wealth of experience to NRM leadership
Results;
Kabandize. 378
Bakaija. 61
Amos. 31
From 2011 to 2016, he served as Secretary of Water, Works, and Roads for Buhweju District. He is a dedicated NRM cadre, having been a member since 1990. His commitment to the party’s core pillars – socio-economic transformation, patriotism, democracy, and Pan-Africanism – is well-known.
Kabandize is a resident of Ndurumo Village, Rukiri Parish, Bihanga Sub-county, Buhweju West Constituency.
Furthermore, he is a prominent businessman and tourism advocate in Buhweju. A founding member and current Vice Chairperson of the Buhweju Community Transformation Initiative Limited (BCTI) since 2020, he demonstrates a strong track record of community engagement.
Rukungiri district;
In a stunning turn of events, Uganda’s Security Minister, Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Jim Muhwezi Katugugu, has decisively defeated Lt. Gen. Henry Tumukunde in the highly contested Rukungiri District NRM Chairmanship election. This contest has garnered significant attention, not only for its political implications but also for the dynamics displayed during the election process.
The Rukungiri District Party Returning Officer, Jackson Mugarura Kiiza, initiated the elections at 2:16 PM, starting with the chairperson position within the NRM mainstream. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as Maj. Gen. Jim Muhwezi and Lt. Gen. Henry Tumukunde faced off, both seasoned politicians with a substantial following in the district.
As soon as Jim Muhwezi stood up, it became apparent that he commanded a strong support base. A majority of the delegates hurriedly moved to his side, leaving Tumukunde isolated with only a handful of supporters. This early display of allegiance was a precursor to the challenges that Tumukunde would face throughout the election.
In a bid to rally support, Tumukunde appointed Benon Mugisha to represent him. However, despite this strategic move, delegates remained firmly behind Muhwezi, underscoring the former’s popularity within the party ranks. Tumukunde, realizing the gravity of the situation, called upon his supporters—numbering fewer than 40—to join him in the tent as counting began. Meanwhile, the majority of Muhwezi’s supporters remained engaged in the counting process, further emphasizing the divide between the two candidates.
As the votes were counted, it became clear that the election was not going in Tumukunde’s favor. Jim Muhwezi garnered an impressive 464 votes, leading to the registrar declaring him unopposed. This declaration came after it was evident that Tumukunde’s supporters were predominantly seated helplessly in the tent, unable to actively participate in the voting process.
The election results extended beyond the chairmanship. Ambrose Kibuka was elected unopposed as vice-chairperson, while Paul Rukundo secured the secretary-general position with 323 votes, defeating Henry Niwagaba, who only managed 56 votes. The publicity secretary role went to Fred Kabwaira, who received 215 votes against Edwin Kuteesa Kaziriri’s 95 and Brian Tumukunde’s 17. Jolly Mashaija was elected as finance secretary, decisively beating her closest rival Andrew Niwabaine with 207 votes to 23.
In light of his loss, Lt. Gen. Henry Tumukunde expressed intentions to pursue legal action against the Rukungiri District NRM registrar, Jackson Mugarura Kiiza. Tumukunde contended that Kiiza, as a civil servant attached to the Internal Security Organisation, was in violation of electoral laws. This assertion highlights Tumukunde’s frustration and his belief that the election process was flawed.
The implications of Tumukunde’s defeat are significant, particularly as he is also campaigning for the Rukungiri Municipality Parliamentary seat. Political analysts suggest that this loss could severely undermine his bid for parliament, exposing vulnerabilities that opponents may exploit in the upcoming elections.
The Rukungiri District NRM Chairmanship election reflects broader trends within Uganda’s political landscape, where party loyalty and grassroots support play critical roles in determining outcomes. Maj. Gen. Jim Muhwezi’s victory not only consolidates his position within the party but also signals a potential shift in influence within the region.
Rubanda;
Minister of Finance Henry Musasizi has won and retained the Rubanda District National Resistance Movement (NRM) Party Mainstream Chairmanship, garnering an overwhelming 503 votes.Â
His opponents, Diaz Drake Owoyesigire and Counsel Jackson Tumweboneire, trailed far behind, with Owoyesigire securing 43 votes and Tumweboneire failing to secure a single vote.
