Independent Candidate Akifeza Wins Kisoro Woman MP By-Election
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Loading... - Aailyah Ally
- 15 Nov 2024
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In a closely contested by-election, Grace Ngabirano Akifeza, an independent candidate with NRM leanings, has been declared the winner of the Kisoro District Woman Member of Parliament seat. Akifeza, who lost to Rose Kabagyeni in the NRM primaries, alleged vote rigging and decided to contest as an independent candidate.
According to the final results announced by Kisoro District Returning Officer Daniel Nayebare, Akifeza garnered 50,459 votes, surpassing her closest rival, Kabagyeni, who received 44,982 votes. The other candidates, Salim Sultana (NUP), Aisha Cyimpaye (PPP), Juliet Musanase (FDC), and Mable Ingabire (UPC), received 903, 157, 193, and 362 votes, respectively.
Electoral Commission Chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama Mugenyi urged Hon. Akifeza to work towards healing the divisions that arose during the election for the betterment of the Kisoro community. He also instructed security forces to investigate allegations of ballot stuffing at the Busanani polling station, implicating Bufumbira North MP John Kamara Nizeyimana, to prevent future electoral malpractice.
Akifeza expressed her amazement at her victory, crediting divine intervention for restoring what she said was her victory taken during the NRM primary elections. NRM Electoral Commission Chairperson Dr. Tanga Odoi commented that the victory remains within the NRM family, as opposition parties received only about two percent of the vote.
Grace Ngabirano Akifeza, 52, is a successful businesswoman based in Kampala with a strong educational background. She holds a bachelor's degree in Social Sciences from Nairobi University, a Master's degree in Child Rights from Kurt Bosch University, and another Master's degree in Gender Development Studies from Nairobi University. Although this is her first venture into active politics, Akifeza has held leadership roles within her community and church and has worked in human rights, serving as a senior rehabilitation officer in Uganda's Ministry of Gender and later with Kenya's National Human Rights Organization.
