Hon. Jovanice Rwenduru Twinobusingye, the Woman Member of Parliament fo Kiruhura district has raised serious concerns over the conduct of the Thursday July 17 NRM primaries for the parliamentary seat in Kiruhura. Addressing a press conference held today at her residence in Kyabagyenyi I village in Rushere Town Council, Hon.Rwenduru condemned what she described as widespread irregularities that compromised the integrity of the elections.

She alleged that her supporters faced intimidation, voters were bought at polling stations and her vote count was manipulated to favor her opponent. “If the votes had been counted fairly, I strongly believe that I would have won,” she stated. She further accused election officials of altering the results and pulling supporters away from the voting queues which she says severely affected her chances of victory.

She called for a thorough investigation into the election process particularly focusing on three town councils and one sub-county where she says the elections did not proceed transparently. These include Kiruhura Town Council, Kenshunga Sub-county, Rushere Town Council, and Sanga Town Council. She emphasized that village registrars and sub-county registrars involved in the electoral process should be held accountable and tried according to the law.

She expressed hope that a proper investigation would reveal the true results and enable her to contest the seat again without having to run as an independent candidate. “If the procedures are followed correctly, I am confident I can win and I will not need to come back as an independent,” she remarked.

Rwenduru’s supporters and agents shared their perspective narrating how suspicions and irregularities marred the election process further casting doubt on the legitimacy of the results.

It is noteworthy that the final tally showed Ruth Rujoki Mushabe receiving 2,4757 votes while Rwenduru garnered 2,1202 votes according to official election results.

As the controversy unfolds, calls for an impartial investigation continue to grow with many in Kiruhura demanding transparency and justice in the electoral process.

Kiruhura District National Resistance Movement (NRM) candidates have shunned planned joint campaign rallies for the candidates vying for the district woman Member of Parliament seat as well as constituency MPs. They have attributed this to lack of facilitation funds resulting into conducting individual campaigns.

Speaking to Kazo FM, Mr. Katamba Alex, the NRM District Registrar for Kiruhura revealed that the district could not organize joint rallies as initially planned by the NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC) because of insufficient funds. He explained that the district lacked the necessary resources to facilitate the large-scale campaign activities which are crucial for effective voter mobilization.

“Kiruhura district was unable to hold joint campaigns because there was no money allocated for this exercise. The plan was made by the CEC but funding was not provided,” Katamba Alex stated.

The Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Kiruhura, Mr. Bakunda George, confirmed that financial constraints and security concerns hindered the organization of joint campaign rallies. He emphasized that security measures were put in place to protect the candidates and supporters during their individual rallies.

Abaho Nathan Karimali, the NRM chairman for Rwomugina Cell in Kinoni Sub-county and Twine Julius offered differing perspectives on the significance of holding joint campaigns. Nathan argued that joint rallies are unnecessary stating they tend to cause chaos among supporters. Conversely, Twine Julius suggested that such campaigns could be advantageous for voters as they offer a platform for voters to evaluate multiple candidates simultaneously.

The upcoming elections for NRM parliamentary candidates are scheduled for July 17, 2025 with campaign activities set to end on July 14, 2025. The district continues to navigate the challenges of campaign organization amid financial and security considerations.

Police in Rukungiri district are investigating the mysterious death of Benard Biryomumisho,79, whose body was found in his house on July 7 in Kasharara Village, Ibanda Parish, Nyarushanje Sub-county, Rubabo County.

According to reports, Biryomumisho was last seen in the Nyarushanje trading center on July 5 around 4:00 pm heading home. He was known to live alone at his residence. It is alleged that the assailants gained entry into his house through the door entered his bedroom and inflicted multiple cuts on his head resulting in his instant death. The suspects then fled the scene with half a sack of coffee.

The incident was discovered on the afternoon of July 7 when the deceased’s son, Ndyareba Boneventure visited the home around 3:30 pm. Upon attempting to open the door, he found Biryomumisho dead in his bed. Police from Rubabo arrived at the scene where a team including a canine unit conducted investigations, processed evidence and documented the scene.

The body was transported to Rwakabengo Health Center III mortuary for a postmortem examination. Authorities have launched investigations into the circumstances surrounding the murder and are actively working to identify and apprehend the suspects. Efforts are ongoing to ensure justice is served.

National Resistance Movement (NRM) leaders from Isingiro district have been summoned together with rival NRM candidates for Isingiro South; the incumbent Member of Parliament, Alex Byarugaba Bakunda and his arch-challenger Mujuni Maari Asensio before NRM Electoral Commission Chairperson Dr. Tanga Odoi in Kampala on Wednesday. The aim is to find a lasting solution to ongoing political tensions in the district.

This followed a meeting chaired by Col. James Mwesigye and attended by Isingiro RDC Adah Nasiima, Minister of State for Animal Industry Rtd. Col. Bright Rwamirama and NRM District Chairperson Rtd. Lt. Moses Mushabe. The meeting was convened in response to recent political violence that resulted in property damage and the death of Lauben Ngurusi, a resident of Kihande Cell, Ruyanga Sub-county.

The closed-door session, from which journalists were barred also resolved that individuals captured in viral videos destroying property should be arrested and prosecuted.

Speaking to our reporter after the meeting, Mushabe condemned the violence warning that the district NRM leadership would not tolerate further chaos. Mushabe further announced that joint campaigns in Isingiro South remain suspended. He also revealed that previous mediation efforts between the two factions had failed to produce progress.

MP Bakunda accused his opponent, Mujuni Maari Asensio of instigating the violence. In response, Asensio called for calm and denied involvement of his supporters in any acts of violence.

Bakunda, who is also seeking re-election, expressed that the violence has affected him personally. Meanwhile, Rtd. Col. Rwamirama indicated that reconciliation efforts between the candidates are ongoing.

The Officer in Charge of Uganda National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) for Kiruhura and Kazo districts, Mr. George Mugimba has asked people in those areas to participate in the ongoing process of registering, renewing and replacing National Identification Cards (IDs).

Mugimba further revealed that the exercise is free for all Ugandans for all the services identified. Speaking to our reporter, Mugimba stated that since the exercise began on May 27, there has been a significant response from the public. The process targets individuals replacing lost IDs, renewing existing ones and registering new IDs including for newborns.

Mugimba emphasized that possessing a National ID will facilitate easier access to government services. He urged residents to report any instances where money is being solicited for in this exercise to NIRA authorities.

The Kiruhura District Chairman, Dan Mukago also called on all residents of Kiruhura in particular and Ugandans in general to participate actively in the registration process.