The Kigezi 2026 election results sent shockwaves across Uganda’s political scene. Voters in the southwestern sub-region rejected at least 10 sitting Members of Parliament. District electoral authorities confirmed the outcome. As a result, this sweeping rebuke shows strong public demand for fresh leadership and accountability. Indeed, analysts call it a historic realignment.
For instance, David Bahati, Minister of State for Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, lost his seat after two decades. He represented Ndorwa County West. He received 17,282 votes. However, NRM candidate Eliab Naturinda Mporera won with 22,601 votes. Independent candidates trailed far behind. Notably, Kabale District’s returning officer declared the results on Friday.
Similarly, in Rubanda District, Prossy Mbabazi Akampurira also lost her seat. She had served as Woman MP and Parliamentary Commissioner for 10 years. She got 36,846 votes. In contrast, independent Evelyne Ninsiima Kiafunda won with 48,732 votes. Moreover, Akampurira’s career faced scrutiny over a Shs500 million service reward scandal. Clearly, voters prioritized performance over tenure.
Meanwhile, Rukungiri District saw more upheaval. Incumbent Woman MP Midias Natukunda Kaharata lost to Mary Paula Turyahikayo Kebirungi. Kebirungi, a former MP and NRM flag bearer, polled 59,448 votes. Kaharata received 32,794. Additionally, other candidates drew far fewer votes. Therefore, the result shows the NRM’s strategic gains despite broader anti-incumbency trends.
In the same vein, in Rubabo County, PFF legislator Naboth Namanya lost to NRM’s Mathias Mwesigwa Rwabugumi. Rwabugumi won with 16,102 votes. Namanya got 14,780. Furthermore, independent Bob Alex Rugonde followed with 13,545. Rukungiri’s returning officer declared the results on Saturday. Consequently, voter fatigue with established figures played a clear role.
Likewise, Kabale District recorded more high-profile exits. Catherine Atwakiire Ndamira lost her Woman MP seat to Enid Atuheire Origumisiriza of the NRM. At the same time, Shadow Attorney General Wilfred Niwagaba fell after 20 years in Ndorwa East. Dr. Protazio Begumisa defeated him under the NRM ticket. Other ousted incumbents include Dr. Nicholas Kamara, Moses Kamuntu Mwongyera, John Kamara, and Rolland Ndyomugyenyi. Thus, new candidates replaced them across the board.
Despite his loss, Niwagaba responded gracefully. On Sunday, he pledged to keep serving his community outside Parliament. He also raised concerns about how officials managed the election. “My dedication to Ndorwa East remains unwavering,” he said. In addition, he urged voters to stay united. Most importantly, he called for transparent, fair, and secure elections so every citizen can vote without fear.
On the other hand, newly elected leaders outlined bold plans. Evelyne Ninsiima said her win reflects years of grassroots work. “This is not just my victory,” she stated. “It belongs to rural women, youth, farmers, and men.” Specifically, she will focus on healthcare, agriculture, and inclusive development. For example, she wants to cut long travel times to hospitals like Mbarara or Mulago. She also plans to push for a cancer treatment center in Kigezi and national health insurance.
Beyond healthcare, she intends to promote indigenous seeds. She calls them affordable, resilient, and sustainable. According to her, they can boost food security and raise farmer incomes. Equally important, Bruce Balaba Kabaasa, Rubanda West MP–elect, said voters chose competence over religion. “They elected me based on service and my manifesto,” he declared.
Finally, Henry Musasizi Ariganyira, Rubanda East MP–elect and Finance Minister (General Duties), promised to close service gaps. “This district is rural and underserved,” he said. “I will use budget support to tackle our people’s biggest challenges.”
In conclusion, the Kigezi 2026 election results reveal a region demanding change. Voters rejected long-standing figures and backed new voices with clear mandates. As a result, this shift may usher in a new era of responsive, grassroots-driven governance in one of Uganda’s most politically active areas.
READ: Kagame Congratulates Museveni on 2026 Re-election Victory
