Baganda secures victory in Kisoro PWD rerun after rare tie
Both candidates secured 58 votes each, creating a rare tie in the closely contested race. Electoral officials confirmed that of the 120 registered voters with disabilities across the district, four did not turn up to vote, a factor many observers believe could have influenced the outcome.
A voter casting her vote in the ballot box. (Credit: Daniel Nsengimana)
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The Kisoro district electoral returning officer, Daniel Nayebare, has officially declared Eunice Baganda as the newly elected female district councillor representing persons with disabilities in Kisoro district, following a repeat election conducted after the initial poll ended in a tie.
The first election, held on January 20, 2026, at the Kisoro district headquarters, resulted in an unprecedented deadlock between Eunice Baganda of the National Resistance Movement and independent candidate Jackline Nyiransenga.
Both candidates secured 58 votes each, creating a rare tie in the closely contested race. Electoral officials confirmed that of the 120 registered voters with disabilities across the district, four did not turn up to vote, a factor many observers believe could have influenced the outcome.
Following the tie, the Electoral Commission scheduled a repeat election to allow voters to decisively determine their representative. The rerun was conducted at the same venue on Tuesday (February 17) under tight supervision by electoral officials to ensure transparency and compliance with electoral guidelines.
In the repeat poll, voter turnout improved significantly. Out of 120 registered voters, 119 cast their ballots, with only one voter reportedly absent due to illness. Electoral officials described the turnout as impressive, reflecting the commitment of persons with disabilities in Kisoro district to participate in leadership and governance processes that directly affect their welfare.
After a transparent vote-counting process witnessed by candidates’ agents and electoral officials, Nayebare declared Baganda Eunice of the National Resistance Movement the winner after securing 67 votes. Her closest competitor, independent candidate Jackline Nyiransenga, received 52 votes.
While announcing the final results, Nayebare commended voters for maintaining discipline, patience and order throughout the process. He emphasised that the election was conducted in a free and fair environment, with no reported cases of violence or malpractice. He further urged all stakeholders to respect the will of the voters and continue promoting peaceful democratic participation in the district.
Nayebare also used the occasion to call for calm and fairness ahead of the re-election scheduled for February 26, 2026, for councillor positions in selected affected areas. These areas include Nyabwishenya subcounty, Nyarusiza subcounty and Nyakabande subcounty. He encouraged eligible voters in those areas to turn up in large numbers and observe the official voting hours from 7:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Speaking shortly after being declared the winner, Baganda expressed gratitude to voters for entrusting her with the responsibility of representing persons with disabilities at the district level. She pledged to work tirelessly to ensure that government programmes, projects and initiatives intended to benefit persons with disabilities are fully implemented and accessible to those who need them most.
She said her leadership would focus on improving livelihoods, promoting economic empowerment and strengthening access to essential services such as healthcare, education and vocational training for persons with disabilities.
Baganda also highlighted the importance of ensuring that persons with disabilities are not only beneficiaries of government programmes but are actively involved in planning, decision-making and leadership processes.
Furthermore, she called upon the government and development partners to enhance inclusivity and provide equal opportunities for persons with disabilities in all sectors. According to her, meaningful transformation can only be achieved when persons with disabilities are recognised as active contributors to community development rather than passive recipients of aid.
The election outcome marks an important moment for the representation of persons with disabilities in Kisoro district, demonstrating growing participation of marginalised groups in democratic processes.
Observers noted that the high turnout in the repeat election reflects increasing awareness among persons with disabilities of the importance of electing leaders who can effectively advocate for their rights and welfare.