Writes Sophan Niwamanya
The recently concluded general elections in the Kigezi subregion were marked by tight contests, narrow victories, and dramatic upsets across most constituencies. However, one result stood out sharply from the rest: the commanding victory of Patrick Kiconco Katabaazi, who posted the strongest performance in the entire subregion.
Kiconco, a lawyer and economist, first stunned political observers by defeating several heavyweight contenders in the NRM primaries for Rukiga County. He went on to overturn opposition dominance in the general election, defeating incumbent Roland Ndyomugyenyi with 61.5 percent of the vote, the highest margin recorded by any constituency MP in Kigezi.
His victory was historic. For the first time, a Rukiga County MP won in all sub-counties, firmly flipping the constituency into the NRM camp and making Kiconco the most popular elected leader in the region.
Performance Across Kigezi
Elsewhere in Kigezi, victories were largely hard-fought and margins significantly narrower:
In Rubanda District, Finance Minister Henry Musasizi retained Rubanda East with 55.46 percent, while Bruce Balaba Kabasa won Rubanda West with 53.2 percent.
Kabale District saw close contests, with Eliab Naturinda defeating Minister David Bahati in Ndorwa West with 56.6 percent, while Protazio Begumisa narrowly won Ndorwa East with 50.05 percent. Andrew Aja Baryayanga reclaimed Kabale Municipality with 52.1 percent.
In Rukungiri, the region’s lowest winning margin was recorded when Mathias Mwesigwa Rwabugumi retained Rubabo County with just 32.3 percent. Jim Muhwezi won Rujumbura with 51.7 percent, while Lt. Gen. Tumukunde secured Rukungiri Municipality with 53.2 percent.
Kanungu District also delivered narrow outcomes. James Kabareku held Kinkizi West with 40.08 percent, while Chris Baryomunsi retained his seat with 52.1 percent.
In Kisoro District, all MPs won with slim margins, including Kwizera Wagahungu (Bukimbiri) at 53.8 percent and Roland Nkrumah Kanya (Bufumbira East) at 56.67 percent.
A Standout Victory
Against this backdrop of closely contested races, Kiconco Katabaazi’s landslide win stands out as the most decisive in Kigezi. His performance not only eclipsed all other MPs in the subregion but also reshaped Rukiga’s political landscape.
