By Julius Akanyijuka
RUKUNGIRI-Mwesigwa Mathias Rwabugumi has emerged victorious in the hotly contested NRM party primaries for Rubabo Constituency, securing the party flag ahead of the 2026 general elections.
The official results, announced by Rukungiri NRM District Election Officer Mr. Bright Mwongyera at the tally center located at Rukungiri District Hall, showed Rwabugumi leading the pack with 10,264 votes, accounting for with (23.7%) of the total vote.
Rwabugumi edged out a crowded field of candidates including Alex Rugonde, who garnered 9,704 votes (22.4%), David Ndindirize Tushabomwe with 9,363 votes (21.6%), Doreen Busigye with 7,686 votes (17.7%), Earnest Ngabirano Katara with 4,417 votes (10.2%), Twebaze Doreen with 1,811 votes (4.2%), and Justus Ibrahim Twineomujuni, who polled 104 votes (0.2%).
Following the announcement, Rwabugumi extended an olive branch to his fellow contenders and called for unity among NRM supporters and constituents of Rubabo County.
He emphasized the importance of collective effort in driving development and effective leadership. “This victory belongs not just to me, but to the people of Rubabo. I call upon everyone, regardless of whom they supported, to come together so we can build a stronger, more prosperous community,” Rwabugumi said.
His message of unity and cooperation resonated with many at the tally center, where supporters cheered his remarks as a sign of maturity and a forward-looking approach to leadership.
With the party flag now in hand, Rwabugumi is set to face off with contenders from other political parties in the upcoming 2026 general elections.
