Independent Candidate Defeats NRM in Rukungiri District Speakership Race

The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party has suffered a setback in the Rukungiri District speakership elections after independent candidate Albert Ahabwe, popularly known as Rwamugata, defeated former Speaker James Turyamuboona. Ahabwe, who represents Buyanja Sub-county, secured 21 votes, while Turyamuboona, who has served as Speaker for the past 10 years, garnered 15 votes.

In the deputy speakership race, Phionah Nakunda of the People’s Front for Freedom-PFF party defeated NRM’s Macklin Sabiiti Turyamusima. Nakunda, who also serves as the PFF Vice Chairperson for Rukungiri District and represents Nyakagyeme Sub-county and Rwerere Town Council, polled 19 votes against Sabiiti’s 17 in the second round. The election process was marked by tension after Bugangari Sub-county councillor William Ngabirano challenged Ahabwe’s eligibility, asking the Chief Magistrate of Ntungamo District, Gordson Musinguzi, who was presiding over the election, to block his candidature.

Ngabirano argued that although Ahabwe contested as an independent, he remains an NRM member, which he claimed contravened the party constitution. However, other councillors, including Brian Bantu of Nyarushanje Sub-county, defended Ahabwe, stating that the election was being conducted under the supervision of the Electoral Commission and not an internal party process.In his ruling, Chief Magistrate Gordson Musinguzi allowed the election to proceed, stating that Ahabwe was legally eligible to contest. During the deputy speakership election, the first round ended in an 18–18 tie between Phionah Nakunda and Macklin Sabiiti Turyamusima.

The newly elected Speaker, Albert Ahabwe, who presided over the second round, directed that the law required a fresh vote until a clear winner emerged. In the second round, Phionah Nakunda emerged victorious with 19 votes, while Macklin Sabiiti Turyamusima polled 17 votes