By Julius Akanyijuka
RUKUNGIRI-Retired General Henry Tumukunde has emerged victorious in the National Resistance Movement (NRM) primaries for Rukungiri Municipality Member of Parliament, securing the party’s flag ahead of the 2026 general elections.
The results, announced at 5:20 AM on Thursday, July 18, by Rukungiri District NRM Elections Officer Bright Bwongyera, placed Tumukunde in the lead with 4,517 votes, representing 45.6% of the total ballots cast. He defeated incumbent MP Hon. Dr. Elisa Rutahigwa, who garnered 2,843 votes (28.7%).
The hotly contested race attracted several other candidates. Isaac Akatukunda came in third with 1,658 votes (16.7%), followed by Andrew Ankunda Kikira with 736 votes (7.4%). Nathan Kamugisha secured 101 votes (1.0%), while Kabanaho Apollo trailed with 49 votes (0.5%).
Bwongyera confirmed that a total of 9,905 votes were cast in the election, highlighting the high voter turnout and interest in the NRM flagbearer race. He also handed over the official declaration forms to Tumukunde’s representative, George Owakukiroru, at the tally center located in the Rukungiri District Council Hall.
Vote counting for other positions, including Members of Parliament for Rujumbura and Rubabo constituencies as well as the District Woman MP slot, was still underway at the time of this report.
Tumukunde’s victory marks a significant political comeback and sets the stage for what is expected to be a fiercely competitive general election in 2026.
