Incumbent MP Rutahigwa backs Tumukunde in Rukungiri Municipality race
Ruathigwa's decision to back the official flag-bearer is different from the norm that has characterised the ruling party as several flag losers, including several ministers, have gone independent in the run up to the general election, despite party chairperson President Yoweri Museveni warning them against it.
Speaking shortly after the nomination, Rutahigwa said his decision to support Tumukunde was made freely and without any pressure or coercion. (Credit: Annabel Oyera)
RUKUNGIRI - The politics of Rukungiri took a new twist last week when incumbent Municipality Member of Parliament (MP), Dr Elisa Rutahigwa, who came second in the NRM primaries, officially declared his support for flag-bearer Gen. (rtd) Henry Tumukunde.
In a show of what some supporters are calling political maturity, Rutahigwa surprised several individuals when, on October 23, 2025, he accompanied Tumukunde to his nomination ahead of the 2026 General Election.
Ruathigwa's decision to back the official flag-bearer is different from the norm that has characterised the ruling party as several flag losers, including several ministers, have gone independent in the run up to the general election, despite party chairperson President Yoweri Museveni warning them against it.
According to the President, independents cost the NRM votes in the 2021 General Election and are likely to do the same in the forthcoming ones.
The event drew large crowds dressed in yellow, waving flags and singing songs of victory. Excitement filled the air as Tumukunde arrived at Rukungiri Main Stadium in a locally assembled motor vehicle, where hundreds of his supporters had gathered to accompany him for nomination. The sight reflected his belief in homegrown innovation and self-reliance.
But the biggest surprise came when Rutahigwa, once seen as one of Tumukunde’s strongest opponents, stepped out of his car and walked beside the General to the nomination venue. The two men smiled and waved to the cheering crowd, a symbol of unity and reconciliation within the NRM family.
Speaking shortly after the nomination, Rutahigwa said his decision to support Tumukunde was made freely and without any pressure or coercion.
“At first, we were not satisfied with the primaries results, but after reviewing them, it was clear. I decided to rally behind Tumukunde based on the NRM’s agenda of Protecting the Gains to keep what has been achieved and add what is still missing,” Rutahigwa said.
He added that Rukungiri’s development requires a leader who understands how the Government works and can continue implementing its programmes. He urged the people of Rukungiri Municipality to unite and support Tumukunde for the area’s progress and prosperity.
The NRM primaries in Rukungiri were among the most competitive the district has ever seen. Many had expected Rutahigwa to retain the flag, but Tumukunde ran a strong grassroots campaign.
Tumukunde emerged victorious with 4,542 votes, against Rutahigwa's 2,826. Though tensions followed at first, their reunion during the nomination day showed a new wave of co-operation in the ruling party.