By Kato Jamil
Ms Grace Ngabirano Akifeza has been declared winner of the Kisoro District Woman MP by-election after beating five other contestants.
Ms Ngabirano who stood as an Independent candidate after losing the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) flag to Ms Rose Kabagenyi, garnered 50,459 votes.
Her closest contender, Ms Kabagenyi who contested as the official NRM flag bearer got 44,982 votes followed by National Unity Platform (NUM Sultana Salim in the third place with 903 votes. Other candidates included; Uganda People’s Congress (UPC)’s Mable Ingabire who got 362 votes, Forum for Democratic Change (FDC)’s Juliet Musanase who polled 193 and People’s Progressive Party (PPP)’s Aisha Cyimpaye who trailed with 157 votes.
“…in accordance with Section 72 of the Parliamentary Elections Act, (Cap 177), declare AKIFEZA GRACE NGABIRANO who has obtained the largest number of votes winner and District Woman Representative to Parliament, Kisoro Electoral District,” declared Nayebare in the wee hours of Friday morning.
The seat for Kisoro Woman MP has been vacant since the untimely death of the late Hon Sarah Mateke Nyirabashitsi who passed on as the area woman legislator and minister of state for defence on September 07, 2024.
But Who Is Grace Akifeza Ngabirano?
Grace Akifeza Ngabirano, is a daughter of Mzee Bakanya from Gasaro (Matinza), a staunch cadre of the ruling NRM Party from Rwingwe Nyakabande Subcounty, Kisoro District.
Ngabirano holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Sciences from Nairobi University, Kenya, and has two master’s degrees: one in Child Rights from Kurt Bosch University and another in Gender Development Studies from Nairobi University.
She also completed a diploma in Project Management from Makerere University.
Throughout her expansive work experience, Ngabirano has worked with international organizations such as UNHCR in Nairobi, Community Aid International in Kenya, and the World Health Organization in Geneva.
A passionate advocate for women’s empowerment, education, and infrastructure development, Ngabirano won the hearts of the electorate with her commitment to making Kisoro district thrive amid political divisionism.
“I stand before you deeply humbled and honoured by your trust,” Ngabirano remarked in her victory speech on the night. “This victory is not just mine; it is the victory of every woman, child, and citizen of Kisoro who believes in a better future. Together, we will build a Kisoro that empowers its people and is ready for tomorrow.”
With her victory, Ms Ngabirano begins her journey as Kisoro’s new Woman Member of Parliament, pledging to represent her constituents with dedication and a focus on development. Her supporters and fellow leaders are hopeful that her leadership will usher in positive change for Kisoro District.
Ngabirano is a businesswoman and commercial farmer. She is married to Mr. Ngabirano Michael, with whom they have four children.
