In the Hoima district LC5 by-election held on September 14, Mr. Uthuman Mugisha Mubaraka, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) candidate, emerged as the winner.
The official results were announced by Hoima District Returning Officer, Ms. Merab Kasande, at Dwoli Primary School tally center, in the presence of the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Justice Simon Byabakama.
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Mr. Mugisha secured a total of 18,353 votes, making him the new Hoima District LC5 Chairperson elect. His closest competitor, an independent candidate leaning towards the NRM, Mr. Vincent Muhumuza, managed to secure 12,020 votes.
Notably, Mr. Muhumuza had previously come second during the NRM party primaries on August 28th, marking his third unsuccessful attempt to secure the same seat since 2016.
The other candidates in the race included Mr. Moses Aguuda of the National Unity Platform (NUP), who received 3,972 votes, Mr. Patrick Musinguzi of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) with 271 votes, and Mr. Lenox Mugume, an independent candidate, who received 179 votes.
A total of 34,795 valid votes were cast, with 724 votes considered invalid. The overall count included 35,519 ballot papers, with 56 of them spoiled.
This election was significant for the people of Hoima District as they were tasked with choosing a successor to the late Kadiri Kirungi, who had served as their district chairman since 2016 until his unfortunate passing in March.
In his victory speech, Mr. Mugisha emphasized the importance of unity and peace, committing to continue the work his father had initiated.
He expressed his dedication to addressing land-grabbing issues in the region by collaborating with relevant authorities and ministries to ensure the issuance of land titles and compensation for those in need.
Justice Byabakama, the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, noted that the election process was mostly free and fair, with only minor disruptions caused by rain in the morning. He encouraged those who did not succeed to wait for the next opportunity in 2026.
Ms. Rosemary Sseninde, the Director for Mobilization in the NRM party, attributed Mr. Mugisha’s victory to the involvement of youth in the election and emphasized the party’s commitment to working closely with the youth to promote development.
The by-election victory marks a significant moment in Hoima District’s political landscape, with Mr. Uthuman Mugisha Mubaraka taking office and aiming to continue his father’s legacy while addressing the community’s pressing issues.
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