Kabeho goes independent after disputed Ntungamo NRM Primaries
Kabeho’s decision to run as an independent comes amidst increasing frustration from his camp over what they describe as a flawed and compromised primary process.
Ntungamo: John Kabeho, one of the candidates in the recently concluded Ntungamo District Chairperson NRM party primary elections, has declared his intention to contest as an independent candidate in the upcoming general elections, citing widespread irregularities in the party’s electoral process.
Speaking during a meeting with key supporters and local stakeholders at his home in Kigongi Village, Kagugu Parish, Rubaare Sub-county over the weekend, Mr. Kabeho said he has rejected the results released by the NRM electoral commission, calling them “outright theft.”
“My vote tally was manipulated, and tally sheets were changed by civil servants and Internal Security Organization officials under orders from individuals in high government offices,” Mr. Kabeho alleged.
Kabeho was officially declared second in the NRM primary with 44,129 votes, representing 34% of the total votes cast. The incumbent chairperson, Mr. Sam Mucunguzi, was declared the winner with 50,913 votes (39%). Other contenders included Mr. Naboth Mpireirwe, who polled 33,212 votes (24%), and Mr. Samuel Mwesigye, who secured 2,969 votes (2%). A total of 131,222 votes were cast from 1,033 polling stations (villages) across Ntungamo District.
Kabeho’s decision to run as an independent comes amidst increasing frustration from his camp over what they describe as a flawed and compromised primary process.
Mr. Kana Rwamutemba, one of Kabeho’s campaign agents, said that contesting as an independent was the only viable option, emphasizing that their candidate would never be perceived as “crossing from the NRM.”
Meanwhile, Mr. Naboth Mpireirwe, who placed third in the race, said he is currently “in consultations” before making a final decision on whether to remain within the party framework or pursue an alternative path.
The Ntungamo NRM primaries have been marred by widespread accusations of cheating and electoral malpractice. So far, three parliamentary races in the district Ntungamo Municipality, Kajara County, and Ruhaama County remain unresolved, with no official flag bearers declared due to contested results.
The fallout underscores growing internal divisions and dissatisfaction within the party ranks in Ntungamo District, a key NRM stronghold in southwestern Uganda.
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