In an interview, Dr. Philemon Mateke, the NRM Kisoro District Chairperson, expressed concerns over the selection of Rose Kabagyeni as the NRM flag bearer for the Kisoro District Woman MP seat. He disclosed that Kabagyeni’s candidacy was imposed by the party’s top national leadership and alleged widespread vote-rigging in the NRM primaries.
Despite Kabagyeni holding the official party endorsement, Dr. Mateke stated that Grace Ngabirano Akifeza, who is now running as an independent, is seen by many within the district as the true representative of NRM values and the preferred candidate among locals. According to him, Ngabirano, though running independently, has strong roots in the party and is viewed by a large portion of the constituency as the popular choice to represent the NRM in parliament.
Dr. Mateke also expressed concern over the vote rigging in the NRM Primaries held on September 25, 2024, where Rose Kabagyeni won by a margin of 744 votes over Grace Akifeza, who came in second. “The primaries were not fair—refugees, primary pupils, children and patients pulled out of sick bed were voting. How can you say the election was fair?” Mateke questioned.
He further alleged that the NRM Electoral Commission arrived in Kisoro with a preselected candidate, stating that they already had their choice. He blamed the top leadership for creating the issue and failing to provide the people of Kisoro with a free and fair election, describing the entire NRM primaries process as chaotic.
According to Dr. John Paul Kasujja, a political analyst in Kigezi and national politics, the divisions within the NRM Party in Kisoro district indicate internal conflicts. He noted that if the party fronts a candidate, members are expected to support that candidate, whether they agree with them or not, and that the disunity seen in the Kisoro by-elections is problematic.
NRM Spokesperson Emmanuel Dombo stated that it is undisciplined for some leaders to divide people based on identity, noting that the party’s disciplinary committee would address this behavior. He added that the NRM would do whatever it takes for their flag bearer to win these elections.
Candidate Grace Akifeza, running as an independent with NRM leanings, echoed concerns about the extensive vote rigging in the primaries. She urged the public to remain vigilant in the coming elections, adding that independent observers would be engaged to monitor the election process.
Campaigns, which began on Monday, are scheduled to conclude on November 12, according to the Electoral Commission roadmap, with voting slated for November 14. The seat became vacant following the death of Sarah Mateke Nyirabashitsi, former Kisoro Woman MP and State Minister for Defense and Veteran Affairs, who passed away on September 7, 2024, due to a heart attack.
ENDS////
