The Electoral Commission has declared independent candidate, Graces Akifeza Ngabirano as the winner of the Kisoro Woman MP by-election.
Akifeza, who lost in the NRM primaries successfully revenged to beat her nemesis and former MP Rose Kabagyeni who had beaten her for the party flag.
During results announced in the wee hours of Friday morning, Akifeza got 50,459 votes while her closest rival, Kabagyeni got 44,982 votes in what looked like a close contest.
National Unity Platform’s Sultana Salim came third with 903 votes, Mable Ngabire from UPC 362 votes, FDC’s Juliet Musanase at 193 while People’s Progressive Party’s Aisha Cyimpaye got 157 votes.
Dr. Mateke has last laugh
The outcome of the by-election indicated that the NRM chairman for Kisoro district, Dr.Philemon Mateke had the last laugh when he stood behind Akifeza throughout.
Following the party primaries where Kabagyeni was given the flag, Mateke insisted that Akifeza had been rigged but stood behind her and rallied support for her.
Mateke said Akifeza was the rightful representative for the people of Kisoro but this created division within the ruling party.
Consequently, the top NRM leadership accused Mateke of indiscipline for going against the party decision but he stood his ground.
Even when President Museveni, the national party chairman asked Mateke to respect the decision of the party, he stood his groind.
This paid off with Akifeza’s win .
The position fell vacant after the death of Sarah Mateke in September.
