Kabale-Kabale based Radio journalist Niwaha Francis, popularly known as Etara ya Buhara, has ended the 29-year leadership of Baryamujura Joseph to claim the LC3 chairperson NRM Party flag bearer seat for Buhara Sub-county.
Baryamujura, who has held the position since 1996, was defeated in a decisive contest. Niwaha, a presenter at Rubanda FM 89.0 sister station to Voice of Kigezi garnered 14,535 votes, far surpassing Baryamujura’s 3,235.
Other contenders included Katongore Sabiti Emmanuel with 794 votes, Byamukama George with 654, Rev. Wilson Bangyendana with 285, and the final candidate with 61 votes.
Speaking after his victory, Niwaha praised the resilience of Buhara residents from polling day through to the tally center.
“Despite the impunity brought by some prominent people in the area, the power of the people prevailed,” he said, describing the election as a “battle” in which police were heavily involved.
Niwaha called for unity, urging his former opponents to work with him for the progress of the sub-county.“We were in the same race, but now we must join hands to improve services,” he said.
The new LC3 chairperson pledged to carry the NRM flag with pride and prioritize improved service delivery for the people of Buhara.
His victory marks a historic political shift, bringing an end to nearly three decades of uninterrupted leadership in the sub-county.
