By Kato Jamil
Former Kisoro District Woman MP Rose Kabagyeni has taken a significant step towards reclaiming her parliamentary seat after winning the National Resistance Movement (NRM) primaries held on Friday. Kabagyeni secured 39,941 votes (47.7%), narrowly defeating her closest contender, Grace Akifeza Ngabirano, who garnered 39,197 votes (46.8%), a margin of 744 votes.
At 11:01 pm, NRM Electoral Commission Chairman Tanga Odoi announced Kabagyeni as the official party flag bearer, concluding a closely watched primary. The campaigns followed a group format, allowing all candidates to present their platforms collectively.
The primary featured six other candidates, but their support remained minimal compared to the two main contenders.
Ahead of the NRM primaries to decide who will hold the party flag for the November 14 by-election, President Museveni – who is also the party chairman – summoned then 13 aspirants to the State House for talks.
The by-election followed the death of Hon Sarah Mateke Nyirabashitsi who died last month. Sarah had trounced Kabagyeni in the 2021 elections.
