MBARARA, Uganda — At least 13 incumbent members of Parliament in the Ankole subregion lost their seats in the 2026 general elections, marking a significant political shift across several districts.
In Mbarara City, Christopher Bakashaba unseated Mbarara City North lawmaker Robert Mwesigwa Rukaari in a close race. Bakashaba, the National Resistance Movement flag bearer, received 5,478 votes to defeat Rukaari, an independent who garnered 4,802 votes.
Related posts
Also in Mbarara City, Charity Kibaaju Kamuhanda defeated independent incumbent Ritah Atukwase Bwahika. Kamuhanda secured 23,413 votes, while Bwahika followed with 22,526 votes.
In Mitooma District, Rebecca Kyarampe won the woman member of parliament seat with 43,684 votes, unseating incumbent Juliet Agatha Bashiisha, who received 23,773 votes. In Ruhinda South, Arthur Atuheir Kazoora defeated incumbent Capt. Donozio Kahonda, polling 12,163 votes to take the seat.
Buhweju District saw the departure of Francis Mwijukye, a People Front for Freedom legislator and former commissioner of Parliament, after 15 years in office. Mwijukye received 9,790 votes, losing to newcomer Zadock Mutekaga, an engineer, who secured 11,322 votes. In Buhweju West, Johnbosco Kariisa of the NRM won the seat with 15,786 votes, defeating incumbent Ephraim Biraro, who had 9,874 votes.
In Ntungamo Municipality, independent candidate Gerard Karuhanga won the seat with 3,967 votes on his third attempt. He defeated incumbent Yona Musinguzi, who received 2,824 votes.
Beatrice Rwakimari reclaimed the Ruhaama County parliamentary seat with 30,813 votes, unseating incumbent Henry Nkwasibwe Zinkuratire, who garnered 19,891 votes.
In Sheema South, Ephraim Kamuntu returned to Parliament after defeating incumbent Eliajah Mushemeza Dickens. Kamuntu received 15,337 votes compared to 10,417 for Mushemeza.
The incumbent for Rwampara East, Julius Tusiime Karuhanga, lost his seat to former lawmaker Charles Ngabirano. Ngabirano secured 12,306 votes to Karuhanga’s 11,669.
Mbarara District voters removed two incumbents. Loydah Kyarikunda Muhimbura won the woman member of parliament seat with 31,364 votes, defeating Margaret Rwebyambu, who had 16,021 votes. In Kashari North, Patrick Musinguzi received 11,904 votes to unseat Bazil Bataringaya, who finished with 10,308 votes.
In Rubirizi District, independent candidate Boaz Atwijukire won the Katerera County seat with 16,303 votes. He defeated incumbent Kato Muhamad, who received 5,376 votes.
