KIGEZI, Uganda — At least seven incumbent Members of Parliament (MPs) in Uganda’s Kigezi sub-region have lost their seats following the January 15, 2026 general elections, marking one of the most significant political upsets in the area in recent years.
The results reflect a broader realignment of voter preferences across Kabale, Rukiga, Rubanda, Kisoro, Kanungu, and Rukungiri districts, with several long-serving legislators falling to challengers from the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), independents, and opposition parties.
Kabale District
In Ndorwa West County, Minister of State for Trade David Bahati suffered a decisive defeat after contesting as an independent, having earlier lost the NRM primary.
The NRM flag bearer, Eliab Naturinda Mporeera, won convincingly with 22,601 votes, while Bahati managed 1,782 votes. Two other independents, Boaz Rugyirehe Abomugusha and Gilbert Matsiko, polled 88 and 43 votes respectively.
In Ndorwa East County, incumbent Wilfred Niwagaba, running as an independent, narrowly lost to Protazio Begumisa (NRM), who secured 17,662 votes against Niwagaba’s 16,810. Other candidates posted marginal results.
In Kabale Municipality, incumbent Dr. Nicholas Thadeus Kamara of the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) was unseated by Andrew Aja Baryayanga (NRM), who garnered 7,973 votes, compared to Kamara’s 7,313.
The Kabale District Woman MP race saw independent incumbent Catherine Atwakiire Ndamira lose despite polling 40,722 votes, as NRM’s Enid Atuheire Origumisiriza emerged victorious with 46,797 votes.
Rukiga District
In Rukiga County, incumbent Roland Ndyomugyenyi Bish (independent) was defeated by Patrick Kiconco Katabazi (NRM), who secured 25,309 votes. Retired army officer Damson Christmas Kivumba followed with 10,538 votes.
The District Woman MP seat went to Dr. Sylvia Alinaitwe (NRM) with 37,239 votes, defeating NUP’s Jolly Jackline Tumuheirwe, who polled 3,195 votes.
Rubanda District
A major upset was recorded in the Rubanda District Woman MP race, where incumbent and Parliamentary Commissioner Prossy Mbabazi Akampurira lost to independent Evelyne Ninsiima Kikafunda, who polled 48,732 votes.
In Rubanda West County, incumbent Moses Kamuntu Mwongyera was defeated by Bruce Balaba Kabasa (NRM) with 26,497 votes against 22,422.
However, State Minister for Finance Henry Arigannyira Musasizi comfortably retained his Rubanda East County seat with 36,534 votes.
Kisoro District
In Kisoro Municipality, Sam Byibesho (NRM) won the seat with 4,834 votes, while the incumbent, Paul Buchana, did not contest.
Elsewhere, Alex Seruganda Niyonsaba (NRM) narrowly retained Bufumbira South County, while Eddie Kwizera Wagahungu held Bukimbiri Constituency as an independent. Roland Nkurumah (NRM) secured victory in Bufumbira East County.
Grace Ngabirano Akifeza (NRM) retained the District Woman MP seat with a commanding 74,700 votes.
Kanungu District
Senior cabinet minister Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, the Minister for ICT and National Guidance, retained Kinkiizi East with 23,830 votes, defeating independent challenger Sam Arineitwe Kajojo.
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In Kinkiizi West, James Ruugi Kaberuka (NRM) held his seat, while Pantence Nkunda Kishaba retained the District Woman MP position after a closely contested race.
Rukungiri District
The Minister for Security, Maj. Gen. Jim Muhwezi Katugugu, survived a strong challenge in Rujumbura County, winning with 25,007 votes.
In Rukungiri Municipality, Lt. Gen. Henry Tumukunde Kakurugu (NRM) narrowly defeated Ingrid Turinawe (PFF).
By press time, results for Rubabo County and the Rukungiri District Woman MP seat had not yet been declared.
Security and election incidents
According to Kigezi regional police spokesperson Elly Maate, the elections were generally peaceful.
However, investigations are underway into two incidents: the shooting of a voter by a stray bullet in Kinkiizi West, and the alleged shooting and injury of a driver attached to Patrick Kiconco Katabazi in Rukiga District.
