Joseph Mugenyi, a former staff member of the National Water and Sewerage Corporation, has emerged victorious in the National Resistance Movement (NRM) primaries for Burahya constituency, securing the party’s flag ahead of the 2026 general elections.
Mugenyi garnered 23,513 votes, translating to 50.6% of the total ballots cast, firmly outpacing a competitive field that included seasoned politicians and nationally recognized figures.
His closest challenger, Richard Rwabuhinga, the former Kabarole LCV Chairperson, polled 14,716 votes (31.6%). Rwabuhinga, once regarded as the district’s most influential political figure, had campaigned on a platform of infrastructural development and a decade-long record in local governance.
Media personality and political newcomer Charles Mwanguhya came in fourth with 6,470 votes (13.9%). Mwanguhya, a respected journalist known for his incisive political commentary on national platforms, drew attention from youthful and urban voters, especially in Fort Portal, but failed to translate that popularity into votes.
Rwigyema Rubalema received 1,524 votes (3.3%), while the little-known Frank Muhumuza trailed the pack with 43 votes (0.1%).
The results were officially announced in the early hours of Friday morning by Rogers Musingunzi, the NRM Electoral Commission Returning Officer, at the Kabarole district tally center.
In his victory speech, Mugenyi expressed gratitude and called for unity.
“I am deeply humbled by your trust. This victory is for all of Kabarole. Together, we will unlock opportunities for our youth, improve livelihoods, and advance our constituency’s progress,” he stated.
Mugenyi’s win sets the stage for a heated contest in the 2026 general elections, where opposition candidates and independents are expected to challenge for the Burahya seat. Political analysts note that the constituency remains a strategic battleground in the Tooro sub-region, and the high-profile nature of the primary candidates has kept national attention fixed on the race.
