OPINION: KISORO NRM PRIMARIES AND THE WIND OF CHANGE AHEAD OF THE 2026 GENERAL ELECTIONS

The recently concluded NRM primaries in Kisoro District have sent a clear message change is inevitable. Across the district, long-serving leaders were shown the exit door, signaling a growing dissatisfaction among voters with the old guard. However, the exercise was not without its challenges, particularly in Bufumbira South, where violence disrupted voting in seven villages, delaying the announcement of results in the tight race between incumbent Hon. Alex Niyonsaba (Seruganda) and his rival, Sam Bitangaro.

Religion, Money, and the Mateke Factor in Bufumbira South

The Bufumbira South race was marred by chaos, largely fueled by religious divisions and the influence of the Mateke’s politics. The Church of Uganda in Seseme openly backed Bitangaro, while Catholics, Muslims and Pentecostals rallied behind Niyonsaba. The violence in Chahi Sub-county’s Iryaruhuri Trading Centre was reportedly instigated by Mateke’s loyalists, further complicating the electoral process.

Despite the setbacks, Niyonsaba remains the favorite to win the general election, albeit by a slim margin. His financial muscle and backing from Mateke (both being Muzigaba) give him an edge. Additionally, King Ceasor Mulenga’s financial support strengthens his campaign machinery. However, Bitangaro’s grassroots church and business class backing means this race is far from over. 
Aspiring candidates in south were:

1.Kwiringira Derrick
2.Mujanama Bernabas
3.Alex Niyonsaba Seruganda
4.Sam Kwizera Bitangaro
5.Phiona Kampire

They have not yet announced the winner because 7 villages which never voted because of violence, these villages are; Murambi, Migyeshi, Nyabitara (Nyakinama Sub county), Kabaya, Busoka, Kalami (Nyarusiza Sub county), Muramba Sub county Headquarters.

Kisoro Municipality: A Three-Horse Race and Byibesho’s Resurgence

The Kisoro Municipality race was a battle of financial heavyweights, with Emmanuel Maniraguha (Tourland Hotel boss) Dr. Leo, Sam Byibesho (former MP), and another influential contender splitting the vote. Ultimately, Byibesho emerged victorious, largely because his opponents divided their support base through excessive financial influence. Byibesho’s relentless grassroots mobilization since his previous loss to Hon.Paul K. Bucyana has endeared him to voters, making him the frontrunner for the general election.

Aspiring candidates in Municipality were:

1.Sam Byibesho – 4,270 votes (43.9%)

2.Dr. Leo Mfitimana – 2,788 votes (28%)

3.Emmanuel Maniraguha – 2,674 votes (25%)

Bukimbiri: Kwizera’s Fall and Turyagyenda’s Rise

Eddie Kwizera, once dubbed the "Lion of Bukimbiri," suffered a humiliating defeat at the hands of Asigario Turyagyenda, a man deeply rooted in the Catholic Church as the dean of Christians in Mutolere. Kwizera’s previous victory, achieved through state machinery, had left voters disillusioned. This time, they rejected him decisively. Even if he runs as an independent, his chances are slim,Turyagyenda’s faith-based support and grassroots appeal make him the favorite.

Candidates in Bukimbiri were;
1. Asigario Turyagyenda 16,637 (55%)

2. Kwizera Eddie 14,354 (45%)

Bufumbira North: Gatare’s Triumph Over Kamara’s Long Reign

In a stunning upset, Fortunate Gatare, a retired police officer, dismantled Kamara’s (Patron) 15-year grip on Bufumbira North. The electorate’s anger over Kabagyeni’s loss in the previous women’s by-election was redirected at Kamara, sealing his fate. Gatare’s clean image and anti-establishment stance resonated with voters, proving that longevity in power is no longer a guarantee of victory.

Candidates in North were;
1. Kamara John Nizeyimana 6,313
2. Byaruhanga Joseph 139
3. Arinaitwe Fortunate 128
4. Hakiza Fourtanate Gatare 11,947
5. Mugisha John Bosco 14 votes

Bufumbira East: Money Talks, But Buturo’s Fall is a Warning

The Bufumbira East race was a spectacle of financial influence, with Roland Kanya (King Ceasor’s driver) deploying billions to dismantle Hon. Buturo’s stronghold. Reports indicate that Kanya bought off Buturo’s key supporters, leaving the incumbent with nothing but bitter exchanges. Abel Bizimana, initially vocal, was allegedly compromised by Kanya’s camp, further weakening Buturo’s position.

The NRM’s flawed voter register, which included underage voters, also played a role in distorting the results. While Kanya is poised to win the general election, the blatant vote-buying raises concerns about the integrity of the electoral process.

Candidates in East were;

1.Roland Kanya Nkurumah – 16,725 votes (53.1%)

2.Dr. James Nsababuturo – 12,756 votes (40%)

3.Tumwizere Christopher – 1,384 votes (4.4%)

4.Abel Bizimana (Kisoro District Governor) – 588 votes (1.8%)

Women MP Race: Mahirwe’s Surprise Strength and Akifeza’s Declining Appeal

Dr. Mahirwe Irene, though not the overall winner, demonstrated surprising strength against the more established Akifeza. Voters expressed fatigue with Akifeza’s reliance on the late Sarah Mateke’s legacy, signaling a shift toward fresh leadership. If Kabagyeni contests as an independent, Akifeza could face an even stiffer challenge.

Finally, Kisoro’s political landscape is undergoing a seismic shift. The NRM primaries exposed deep voter frustration with long-serving leaders, money-driven politics, and religious divisions. While financial influence remains a key factor, the electorate is increasingly prioritizing credibility and grassroots connection.

Aspiring candidates in District woman MP were:
1. Akifeza  grace Ngabirano 74,252
2.Mahirwe Irene 42,723

As the general elections approach, the opposition could capitalize on this discontent, especially if NRM fails to address internal divisions and electoral malpractices. One thing is certain Kisoro is tired of the status quo, and 2026 may just be the year of reckoning.