In a dramatic political shift, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) has won every parliamentary seat in Rukungiri District in the January 15, 2026 general elections, a district long regarded as an opposition stronghold in Uganda. The sweeping victory marks a significant transformation in local political dynamics and reflects strong mobilization by the ruling party.

Clean Sweep in Key Constituencies

The Electoral Commission of Uganda confirmed that NRM candidates secured victories across all four parliamentary seats contested in the district, with no opposition or independent candidate winning a position.

In Rujumbura County, Retired Major General Jim Muhwezi Katugugu (NRM) was declared the winner, topping the field with approximately 25,007 votes. His closest challenger, Fred Tumuheirwe Turyamuhweza of the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), garnered around 23,307 votes, while other candidates received smaller vote shares.

For Rubabo County, Mathias Mwesigwa Rwabugumi (NRM) claimed victory with 16,102 votes, outpacing incumbent Naboth Namanya of PFF, who obtained 14,780 votes.

In Rukungiri Municipality, Lieutenant General Henry Tumukunde (NRM) won with 7,115 votes, defeating Ingrid Kamateneti Turinawe of PFF, who received 6,268 votes, along with independent contenders.

The Woman Member of Parliament seat also went to the ruling party, with Mary Paula Kebirungi (NRM) securing 59,448 votes, significantly ahead of incumbent Medius Natukunda Kaharata and other challengers.

Historic Shift in Political Landscape

Rukungiri has been historically associated with opposition politics in Uganda, notably as the home district of veteran opposition leader Col (Rtd) Dr. Kizza Besigye, who contested national elections for nearly two decades. Although Besigye’s influence helped shape the area’s reputation as a bastion of dissent, the 2026 results indicate a strong reversal in voter alignment at the parliamentary level.

Political analysts suggest that the NRM’s organizational strength and coordinated campaign strategy played a central role in securing these wins. These results come amid a broader national election cycle that saw the ruling party retain significant power across multiple regions.

Voices from the Victors

After his declaration as the elected MP for Rujumbura County, Jim Muhwezi thanked his supporters and pledged to work for development in the area. Similarly, Rwabugumi and Tumukunde expressed gratitude to voters and called for unity across political divides as they assume their new roles in Parliament.

Following her win as Woman MP, Mary Paula Kebirungi also thanked her supporters and electoral officials, emphasizing peace and cooperation throughout the electoral process.

What This Means Going Forward

The election results in Rukungiri represent more than a routine political update, they symbolize a notable departure from decades of opposition dominance in a district once seen as emblematic of resistance to the ruling party. The outcomes may influence how both national and local political strategies are shaped ahead of future electoral cycles in Uganda.