Kisoro NRM Primaries Turn Chaotic as Electorates Demand Accountability

The National Resistance Movement (NRM) primaries in Kisoro Municipality took a violent turn last week as supporters of rival camps clashed during joint campaign events, prompting police intervention and raising concerns about political intolerance.

The contest for the NRM parliamentary flag in Kisoro pits medalist Maniraguha Emmanuel against Dr. Leo Mfitimana and former area MP Sam Byibesho. However, what began as routine party primaries quickly spiraled into chaos, with violent incidents reported in Busamba and at the Kisoro Mayor’s Garden.

Eyewitnesses said the violence was sparked by a group of hooligans dressed in Dr. Leo’s branded T-shirts who attacked Byibesho’s supporters, leading to physical confrontations. The altercations forced police to intervene and restore order.

Speaking at one of the campaign events, candidate Maniraguha Emmanuel condemned the violence, calling for a shift from hostility to constructive political engagement.
“You have seen how these people are fighting instead of understanding each other. They are representing their candidates. I can assure you that Parliament is for lobbying and discussions, not fighting,” he said.

In a gesture aimed at channeling youthful energy away from violence, Emmanuel pledged to establish a boxing club. He also promised to elevate Kisoro Municipality into a tourism hub, improve access to health services, and construct an incinerator for better garbage management.

Meanwhile, the electorate is demanding greater accountability from their leaders. In Mikingo Village, Busamba, residents questioned former MP Sam Byibesho over the loss of key development projects, including a government seed school that was reportedly shelved due to a lack of land that residents claim was handed to private individuals during Byibesho’s tenure.

“During your reign as Mayor and MP, we lost a seed school that was meant for the Southern Division. How can we trust that more public land won’t be lost if you’re re-elected?” asked Lazarus, a resident of Bigina Village.

Byibesho responded by citing his past donations of food and tents to local communities — gestures many residents dismissed as short-term relief. Critics argued he should have lobbied for long-term infrastructure like schools and hospitals.

Dr. Leo Mfitimana also faced tough questions from the public. Locals accused him of abandoning his home district after completing his education, only to reappear seeking votes. Some questioned whether he would remain engaged with the community after the elections.

One resident shared a painful account of being promised vocational training in Mbarara by Dr. Leo, only for the promise to go unfulfilled, deepening mistrust among constituents.

In contrast, Maniraguha Emmanuel received praise from community leaders. Pafura Emmanuel Kwiringira, the chairperson of Nyaruhengeri Village, commended him for bringing clean water to the area and employing local youth in tourism initiatives.

“Emma has started working before even reaching Parliament. He extended the national water closer to the people of Nyaruhengeri and is employing our youth. He is the leader we deserve,” Pafura said.

As the primaries continue, Kisoro residents remain vocal, demanding not just promises but action and accountability from those seeking public office.