Independent candidate Grace Akifeza Ngabirano was on Thursday November 14, 2024 declared winner of the by-election after receiving 50,459 votes.
The position became vacant following the death of MP Sarah Mateke on September 7, 2024, prompting the need for a new representative to serve the district in Parliament.
Akifeza’s strong support was evident as she led the race by a wide margin. A leaning NRM candidate, Akifeza was backed by the powerful Kisoro kingmaker, Philemon Mateke (90) who also the party (NRM) district chairperson.
Her closest competitor, Rose Kabagenyi of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), received 44,982 votes.
Other candidates included, National Unity Platform’s (NUP) Salim Sultana Zubedi got 903 votes, Aisha Cympaye of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) who got 15,057 votes.
Juliet Musanse of the Forum Democratic Party (FDC) garnered 1,093 votes while Mable Ingabire of the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) got 362 votes.
The total number of valid votes cast were 97,056, with a high turnout as 98,117 ballots were counted. A total of 1,061 ballots were rejected, and 249 ballots were spoiled.
The election was overseen by the Electoral Commission’s Returning Officer Daniel Nayebare, who officially declared Ngabirano the winner.
Akifeza’s victory marked a significant shift for the district, as she ran as an independent candidate and still managed to surpass candidates from prominent political parties.
Akifeza will now take over the parliamentary responsibilities for Kisoro District, filling the void left by the late MP Sarah Mateke who was also the State Minister for Defence.
Her victory is seen as a hopeful step forward, with residents expressing optimism about her potential contributions to the district.
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