Tribunal confirms Kyogabiirwe’s victory in Kyegegwa Woman MP NRM primaries

23 August 2025, 20:27

By Collins Ainomugisha

A long-awaited ruling was issued on Friday, 22 August 2025.

The NRM Elections Disputes Tribunal has officially upheld the victory of Kyogabiirwe Jackie Muganda as the party flag-bearer for Kyegegwa District Woman Member of Parliament.

The verdict, issued by the tribunal, also dismissed all petitions filed by the incumbent, Hon. Kabahenda Flavia Rwabuhoro, challenging Kyogabiirwe’s victory in the ruling party primaries.

This landmark ruling, based on a thorough review of evidence and adherence to NRM Election Regulations and principles of natural justice, confirms Kyogabiirwe’s candidacy for the 2026 polls.

Unlike other areas, the July 17 party election in Kyegegwa District did not produce immediate final results for the Woman MP flag-bearer, following the annulment of results from six villages in Kakabara and Kyegegwa Town Councils due to electoral irregularities.

Authorities extended the election to Monday, 21 July 2025, when Kyogabiirwe garnered 46,530 votes, constituting 50.5% of the total, against Hon. Kabahenda Flavia, who polled 45,515 votes, or 49.5%, out of the 92,045 votes cast.

Following the declaration of Kyogabiirwe as winner, Hon. Kabahenda filed a petition with the NRM Elections Tribunal challenging the results announced by Silver Bahane, the Rwenzori Region party coordinator.

On Friday, 22 August 2025, a panel led by Anthony Bazira issued a ruling, signed by Musiime John, Chairperson of the NRM Elections Disputes Tribunal, dismissing Hon. Kabahenda’s petition on the grounds of insufficient evidence to contest the results.

At the time of publication, both Kyogabiirwe Jackie Muganda and Hon. Kabahenda Flavia Rwabuhoro had not commented on the outcome.