Is Kisoro by-election a Harbinger for 2026? | NBS Frontline

When some district officials first supported Ruth Nyiraneza, the daughter of their NRM district chairman Philemon Mateke, to succeed her late sister, the plot quickly became more complicated. The NRM, led by President Museveni and the party chairman, first urged 12 candidates in its party primary to resign in favor of Ms. Akifeza after Ms. Nyiraneza withdrew early. Five complied with Mr. Museveni's order, but seven refused to back down, allowing Ms. Kabagyeni to defeat Ms. Akifeza by 700 votes and win the party flag. Her victory, however, caused a great deal of controversy in the largely NRM Kisoro, as Mateke publicly stated her support for Akifeza and asserted that NRM high brass had forced Kabagyeni on the district. In order to virtually put an end to the former MP's political career in Kisoro, Ms. Akifeza chose an independent ticket and refused to accept loss in the primaries.