Incumbent MP misses vote as late delivery of materials disrupts Kikuube NRM primaries

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Kikuube District’s NRM primaries were thrown into disarray after voting materials arrived late, leaving incumbent Woman MP Florence Natumanya unable to cast her ballot. The delay was attributed to logistical challenges.

At Kidoma polling station in Kiziranfumbi sub-county, Natumanya’s designated voting centre, presiding officer Mugenyi Felisiano confirmed the MP’s absence, noting she failed to appear by the scheduled voting time.

Her supporter, Julius Bahebire, claimed she was “caught up by time,” though no further details were provided.

Dan Muhairwe carrying his poster.

Meanwhile, rival candidates like Dan Muhairwe, a former Buhaguzi MP seeking a comeback, capitalised on the moment. Muhairwe arrived early, mobilised supporters and urged election officials to ensure transparency, stating, “The hope of candidates rests on your integrity.”

Logistical failures

Kikuube’s NRM Administrative Secretary, Robert Mwebesa, admitted that while voter registers were delivered a day earlier, critical declaration forms only arrived on Thursday morning.

Sub-county registrars, forced to collect materials from the district headquarters, delayed the distribution to polling stations.

By 10:00am, when voter verification was supposed to begin, many stations—including those in Kyagwali Sub-county and Lake Albert shoreline areas—remained unprepared.

“Voting started late in multiple locations,” Mwebesa said, adding that tallying delays could push final results to Friday morning.

Voter turnout

Mwebesa reported a “big turnout,” with over 130,000 registered voters across 335 polling stations. However, acting Resident District Commissioner Ernest Karisa highlighted a recurring complaint: “Many voters missing from the register, even though they participated in NRM structure elections.”

In some stations, candidates lacked agents, raising concerns about oversight.

The race for Kikuube’s parliamentary seats intensified as incumbents and challengers vied for support. Alongside Natumanya, women candidates like Zulia Nyakahara Mbarirwa and Specioza Tumusiime campaigned vigorously.

For the Buhaguzi seat, incumbent Francis Kazini faced a stiff challenge from Muhairwe, who emphasised fairness.

“The election’s credibility depends on transparent officials,” Muhairwe said.