29/01/2026
*KANUNGU DISTRICT CONDUCTS SUCCESSFUL PRESIDENTIAL AND PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS AMID ISOLATED SECURITY INCIDENT*
Kanungu District joined the rest of Uganda in conducting Presidential and Parliamentary elections on Thursday, 15 January 2026, with the exercise largely described by electoral authorities as free, fair, transparent, and credible, despite a few isolated security incidents recorded during the voting process.
The district is administratively composed of two parliamentary constituencies—Kinkiizi East and Kinkiizi West—and 27 local government units, comprising 18 sub-counties and nine town councils, namely Buhoma, Butogota, Kanyantorogo, Kanungu, Nyamirama, Kihihii, Kambuga, Rutenga, and Nyakabungo.
Voting commenced early across the district, with polling materials delivered in time and polling stations opening as scheduled. Voter turnout was generally steady throughout the day, with electoral officials, party agents, observers, and security personnel present to oversee the process.
*PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION RESULTS IN KANUNGU DISTRICT*
In the Presidential election, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni Tibuhaburwa, the candidate of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), overwhelmingly won the Kanungu District vote after polling 84657 ( 84.09%) percent of the total votes cast. President Museveni’s closest challenger was Kyagulanyi Ssentamu Robert, popularly known as Bobi W**e, the flag bearer of the National Unity Platform (NUP), who obtained 12173 (12.09%) percent of the votes. Other presidential candidates registered modest support in the district as follows:
- Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Mugisha Gregort Muntu Oyara (ANT): 1909 ( 1.70%)
- Munyagwa Mubarak Sserunga (CMP) 329 (0.33%)
- Mafabi Nathan Nandala (FDC): 679 (0.67%(
- Bulira Frank Kabinga (RPP) :503 (0.50%)
- Kasibante Robert NPP): 430 (0.43%)
- Mabirizi Joseph (CP): 200 ( 0.20%)
Electoral officials noted that the presidential vote reflected historical voting patterns in the district, with the ruling party maintaining a strong foothold.
*KINKIIZI WEST CONSTITUENCY: AREA MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT RESULTS*
In Kinkiizi West Constituency, a total of 90,567 voters were registered, and voting took place across 239 polling stations. Six candidates contested for the position of Area Member of Parliament for Kinkiizi West, producing a closely watched contest. Mr. Niringiyimana James Ruugi Kaberuka emerged victorious after polling 22,428 votes, representing 40.08 percent of the total valid votes cast. The full results were as follows:
- Niringiyimana James Ruugi Kaberuka: 22,428 votes (40.08%)
- Ndungutse John Ngaruye: 18,411 votes (32.90%)
- Safari Christopher: 13,476 votes (24.08%)
- Turyatunga Stephen Ikamukuba: 1,245 votes (2.22%)
- Atuhaire Brian: 273 votes (0.49%)
- Rushokora Victor: 125 votes (0.22%)
The constituency recorded 55,959 valid votes, 1,430 invalid votes, and 126 spoilt ballots, bringing the total number of votes cast to 57,388. While voting in Kinkiizi West was generally peaceful, a serious security incident was reported at Mushunga Polling Station in Nyanga Sub-County. According to the Returning Officer for Kanungu District, Mr. Mukundane David, clashes erupted between supporters and agents of Mr. Ndungutse John Ngaruye and those of Mr. Niringiyimana James Ruugi Kaberuka. During efforts to disperse the crowd, an army officer fired shots into the air. Unfortunately, an astray bullet struck a 19-year-old girl identified as Sheila, a granddaughter of Sebundodori, a resident of Mushunga Cell, Nyanga Sub-County. The victim sustained a gunshot wound to the leg and was rushed to a health facility, where she remains hospitalized. The officer involved in the incident was arrested and detained at Kanungu Central Police Station, as investigations into the matter continue. Electoral authorities emphasized that the incident, though unfortunate, did not disrupt the overall electoral process in the constituency.
*KINKIIZI EAST CONSTITUENCY: AREA MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT RESULTS*
In Kinkiizi East Constituency, a total of 74,341 voters were registered, and voting was conducted at 202 polling stations. Eight candidates contested for the position of Area Member of Parliament for Kinkiizi East, resulting in one of the closest races in the district. Dr. Chris Baryomunsi was declared the winner after polling 23,830 votes (52.22%) He narrowly defeated Eng. Arinaitwe Sam Kajojo, who also polled 20,739 votes (45.45%), The complete results were as follows:
- Dr. Chris Baryomunsi: 23,830 votes (52.22%)
- Eng. Arinaitwe Sam Kajojo: 20,739 votes (45.45%)
- Karungi Ruth Tukahirwa: 731 votes (1.60%)
- Akampurira Akampa wa Karuma: 90 votes (0.20%)
- Tabaruuka Arans: 67 votes (0.15%)
- Niwamanya Benedicto: 65 votes (0.14%)
- Byamukama Alex: 56 votes (0.12%)
- Naturinda Aggrey: 56 votes (0.12%)
The constituency recorded 45,634 valid votes, 737 invalid votes, and 87 spoilt ballots, bringing the total votes cast to 46,371.
*KANUNGU DISTRICT WOMAN MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT RESULTS*
In the race for Woman Member of Parliament for Kanungu District, four candidates contested the seat. Ms. Nkishaba Patience Nkunda, running as an Independent candidate, emerged victorious after polling 41,625 votes, and was duly declared the Woman Member of Parliament for Kanungu District. The full results were as follows:
- Kinshaba Patience Nkunda (Independent): 41,625 votes
- Betty Namara Mutabazi Kataba (NRM): 38,249 votes
- Majambere Esther Musoke (Independent): 20,241 votes
- Akandida Ziada (NUP): 571 votes
The results reflected a highly competitive race, particularly between the top two candidates.
The Chief Administrative Officer of Kanungu District, Mr. Awuye Abdallah, congratulated all elected leaders and thanked the people of Kanungu for turning up in large numbers to exercise their democratic right. He pledged that the district administration would work closely with all leaders chosen by the people, regardless of political affiliation, to improve service delivery, promote peace, and foster socio-economic development.
Mukundane David the Returning Officer Kanungu District said that, despite the isolated incident in Kinkiizi West, the overall electoral process in Kanungu District was conducted in a peaceful, transparent, and credible manner, reflecting the will of the electorate.
*KANUNGU DISTRICT CHAIRPERSON RESULTS*
In the race for District Chairperson of Kanungu District, held on January, 22, 2026, Byamukama Francis Kapesha emerged as the winner with 44,378 votes (58.40%) from a total of 164,908 registered voters across 441 polling stations. Rev. Tibesigwa Justus followed with 31,615 votes (41.60%). The constituency recorded 75,993 valid votes, with 736 invalid votes (0.96%) of total cast votes, totaling 76,729 (76.53%) of registered voters, and 74 spoilt votes.
By: T. Mwajuma Twaha Adams
Communications Officer, Kanungu District Local Government
