Rwabugumi retains NRM ticket after Rubabo vote rerun
The NRM election tribunal last month overturned Rwabugumi’s earlier victory after his closest challenger, Alex Bob Rugonde, petitioned against the omission of six cells in the tally sheet, including his own cell of Nyakiju.
Voters line up behind Bob Rugonde at his home cell of Nyakiju where he polled 159 votes against his main challenger Mathius Rwabugumi who polled 39 votes. (Photo by Caleb Bahikaho)
By Caleb Bahikaho
Journalists @New Vision
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Fresh elections in six villages of Rubabo Constituency have favoured the NRM flag bearer, Mathius Rwabugumi, enabling him to retain the party ticket for the forthcoming general elections in Rubabo County, Rukungiri district.
The NRM election tribunal last month overturned Rwabugumi’s earlier victory after his closest challenger, Alex Bob Rugonde, petitioned against the omission of six cells in the tally sheet, including his own cell of Nyakiju.
The tribunal ordered fresh elections in the six affected cells: Nyamambo A in Kebisoni town council, and Rwere, Rusharara, Rugarama, Nyakiju and Rwenkuraijo, all in Buyanja sub-county.
Supporters of Mathius Rwabugumi lining up behind a supporter holding his poaster in Nyakiju where he polled 39 votes against Bob Rugonde's 159 votes. (Photo by Caleb Bahikaho)
In last month’s elections, Rwabugumi had polled 10,264 votes against Rugonde’s 9,704.
In the by-elections held on Monday, September 8, 2025, Rwabugumi won in Nyamambo A with 159 votes against Rugonde’s 136. In Rwenkuraijo, Rwabugumi polled 101, while Rugonde had 155. At Rwere, Rwabugumi secured 15 votes compared to Rugonde’s 85. In Rusharara, Rwabugumi obtained 28 votes while Rugonde won 112. At Nyakiju cell, Rwabugumi polled 29 against Rugonde’s 159, and in Rugarama, Rwabugumi had 66 votes while Rugonde led with 242.
In total, Rwabugumi was declared the winner with 10,668 votes, while Rugonde came second with 10,596 votes.