KISORO, UGANDA — In a surprise victory, Grace Akifeza Ngabirano, a former National Resistance Movement (NRM) aspirant, won the Kisoro Woman MP by-election Thursday, defeating the ruling party’s candidate, Rose Kabagyeni, by nearly 6,000 votes.
Akifeza, who ran as an independent after losing the NRM primary, secured 50,459 votes, according to official results announced by Kisoro District Returning Officer Daniel Nayebare. Kabagyeni garnered 44,483 votes.
The outcome marked a significant setback for the NRM, which has dominated Ugandan politics for decades. President Yoweri Museveni, the party’s chairman, had personally intervened in the primary, asking 12 aspirants to step down in favor of Akifeza. However, Kabagyeni ultimately emerged as the NRM candidate, winning the primary by 700 votes.
Akifeza’s refusal to concede defeat and her decision to run as an independent paid off, as she tapped into voter discontent with the NRM’s handling of the primary. Her victory has sparked celebrations in Kisoro, a southwestern district that has traditionally been an NRM stronghold.
The by-election was called after the death of Sarah Mateke, the incumbent MP, in September. The seat was highly contested, with five other candidates vying for the position. However, Akifeza and Kabagyeni dominated the campaign, with the other candidates failing to gain traction.
The NRM’s loss in Kisoro raises questions about the party’s grip on power ahead of the 2026 general elections. Akifeza’s win also highlights the growing influence of independent candidates in Ugandan politics, who are increasingly challenging the dominance of traditional parties.
“Akifeza’s victory is a wake-up call for the NRM,” said a top official in Kisoro. “It shows that voters are no longer beholden to traditional party affiliations and are willing to support candidates who they perceive as more responsive to their needs.”
The NRM has faced criticism in recent years for its handling of internal primaries, with some candidates alleging rigging and favoritism. Akifeza’s victory may embolden other aspiring politicians to challenge the party’s dominance.
