Kisoro, Uganda – In a surprise victory, independent candidate Grace Akifeza Ngabirano has won the Kisoro Woman MP by-election, defeating the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) candidate Rose Kabagyeni.
According to official results, Akifeza secured 50,459 votes, while Kabagyeni garnered 44,483 votes. The outcome marks a significant setback for the NRM, which has dominated Ugandan politics for decades.
The by-election was called after the death of incumbent MP Sarah Mateke in September. Akifeza, who initially ran for the NRM ticket, lost the primary election to Kabagyeni but refused to concede, citing irregularities.
Her decision to run as an independent paid off, as she tapped into voter discontent with the NRM’s handling of the primary. The victory is seen as a major upset for the ruling party, which has faced criticism for its handling of internal primaries.
