Mwesigwa Mathias Rwabugumi has been declared the winner of the Rubabo County NRM party by-election held on September 8, 2025, in Rukungiri District.
The by-election was organized to select a new party flag bearer following the nullification of results from the July 17, 2025 primaries, in which Rwabugumi had earlier been declared winner.
Three weeks ago, the NRM party elections tribunal nullified Rwabugumi’s victory after a petition by Alex Bob Rugonde, who alleged that voting in six villages had not been conducted in line with party electoral commission guidelines.
The tribunal ordered fresh voting in Nyakiju, Nyamambo, Rwere, Rugarama, and Kisharara in Buyanja Sub-county, as well as Nyamambo Cell in Kebisoni Town Council.
In Monday’s fresh polls, Rukungiri District NRM elections officer Katureeba Elisa announced Rwabugumi as the flag bearer after he garnered 10,736 votes, narrowly defeating Rugonde who polled 10,603.
Other candidates included Twebaze Doreen with 1,906 votes, Ngabirano Katara with 4,421, Busingye Doreen with 7,714, and Twinomujuni Justus with 104 votes.
Speaking after his declaration, Rwabugumi praised the NRM electoral commission for conducting what he described as a free and fair process.
He also expressed gratitude to the people of Rubabo for entrusting him with the party flag, pledging to defend it in the 2026 general elections.
Rugonde, who came second, conceded defeat but alleged voter bribery and intimidation.
The Rubabo by-election stemmed from Rugonde’s petition that challenged the July primaries, leading to Monday’s fresh vote that retained Rwabugumi as the NRM flag bearer.
