From Opposition stronghold to NRM Sweep, Rukungiri’s Political Shift

RUKUNGIRI - The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party has won all parliamentary seats in Rukungiri district, an area long regarded as an Opposition stronghold.

No Opposition or independent candidate secured a parliamentary position in the January 15, 2026, General Election.

Rukungiri district has historically been associated with Opposition politics, largely due to veteran Opposition figure Col. (rtd) Dr Kiiza Besigye, who contested against President Yoweri Museveni four times between 2006 and 2016.

Besigye is currently detained at Luzira Prison in Kampala over treason-related charges.

Despite this political history, NRM candidates swept all parliamentary seats in the district, including Rujumbura County, Rubabo County, Rukungiri Municipality, and the Woman Member of Parliament seat.

Rujumbura County

In Rujumbura County, the Electoral Commission declared Maj. Gen. (rtd) Jim Muhwezi Katugugu (NRM) as the duly elected MP.

The declaration was made on January 16, 2026, in the afternoon by district Electoral Commission (EC) returning officer Abas Naramara at the tally centre located at the Rukungiri District Council Hall.

Muhwezi garnered 25,005 votes, defeating Fred Tumuheirwe Turyamuhweza of the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), who obtained 23,307 votes.

Other candidates were Ariho Nasasira (FDC) with 439 votes, Gerald Karenzi Kooli (Independent) with 285 votes, Hillary Tumuhimbise (NUP) with 252 votes, and Simon Niwagaba (Independent) with 110 votes.

Speaking after his declaration, Muhwezi, who also serves as security minister, thanked voters for their support and pledged to fulfil his campaign commitments.

“I am humbled by the trust the people of Rujumbura have placed in me. I will work tirelessly to deliver on my promises and ensure development reaches every corner of the constituency,” he said.

Rubabo County

In Rubabo County, Mathias Mwesigwa Rwabugumi (NRM) was declared the winner after polling 16,102 votes, defeating incumbent Naboth Namanya (PFF), who received 14,780 votes.

Other candidates were:

• Alex Bob Rugonde (Independent) with 13,545 votes

• David Tushabomwe Ndindirize (Independent) with 3,452 votes

• Andrew Niwabine (Independent) with 971 votes, Allan Nabasa (FDC) with 548 votes

Arnest Ngabirano Katara (Independent) with 313 votes

• Moreen Tumwebaze (Independent) with 147 votes

• Eunice Nshabamagara (DP) with 55 votes.

Rwabugumi thanked voters for their confidence and called for unity among residents, urging supporters of other candidates to work with him for the development of Rubabo County and Rukungiri District as a whole.

“Development is our collective responsibility. I invite everyone, regardless of who they voted for, to join hands with me to move Rubabo forward,” he said.

Rukungiri Municipality

In Rukungiri Municipality, Gen. (rtd) Henry Kakurugu Tumukunde (NRM) was declared the elected Member of Parliament after polling 7,115 votes. He defeated Ingrid Kamateneti Turinawe (PFF), who garnered 6,268 votes.

Other candidates were Wallen Nuwagaba Tumwine (Independent) with 297 votes and Richard Akanyijuka (Independent) with 53 votes.

Tumukunde thanked residents for their trust and acknowledged the NRM government for mobilizing support for its candidates during the elections.

“I appreciate the confidence the people of Rukungiri Municipality have shown in me. Together, we will ensure development reaches every corner of the municipality,” he said.

Woman Member of Parliament

For the Woman Member of Parliament seat, Mary Paula Kebirungi (NRM) was declared the winner at around 3:00am after polling 59,448 votes. She defeated incumbent Medius Natukunda Kaharata, who obtained 32,794 votes.

Other candidates included Betty Bamukwasa Muzanira (PFF) with 18,227 votes, Innocent Kashobera Nabaasa (Independent) with 1,063 votes, and Christine Tusanyuke (FDC) with 844 votes.

Following her declaration, Kebirungi thanked voters, the Electoral Commission, and security agencies for ensuring peaceful elections.

“I am grateful for the support and trust of the people. Together with all stakeholders, we will work to ensure that Rukungiri District continues on the path of development and progress,” she said.

Political Shift

The 2026 election results mark a significant shift in Rukungiri District’s political landscape, long considered a bastion of opposition politics. Political analysts attribute the sweeping NRM victory to strong party mobilisation and the absence of key Opposition figures during the elections, including the continued detention of Kiiza Besigye.

The results may signal a changing political dynamic in a district that has historically posed a strong challenge to the ruling party.