Philemon Mateke, the Minister of State for Regional Affairs, has urged Grace Akifeza Ngabirano, the newly elected Kisoro District Woman Member of Parliament, to complete the government programs initiated by the late Sarah Nyirabashitsi Mateke.
In the election held on September 14, 2024, Akifeza secured a decisive victory with 50,459 votes, defeating her closest competitor, Rose Kabagyeni of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), who garnered 44,982 votes. Other contenders, including Sultana Salim Tana of the National Unity Platform (NUP), Meble Ingabire of the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC), Juliet Musanase of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Najjanankumbi faction, and Aisha Chimpaye of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), received significantly fewer votes, with Tana getting 903, Ingabire 362, Musanase 193, and Chimpaye 157.
The campaign season was heavily influenced by religious divisions between Catholics and Protestants, prompting President Yoweri Museveni to issue a statement condemning religious interference in politics. Philemon Mateke, who also serves as the Kisoro District NRM Party Chairman, declined to support the NRM flag bearer, citing irregularities in her primary election victory.
During a celebratory gathering held at Kisoro Municipality Mayor’s Gardens, Mateke addressed the crowd and called on Akifeza to ensure the continuation and completion of several key projects. These include the construction of the Kanyamateke Bridge at Kafu River along the Kanyamateke-Busanza-Nyabwishenya road, a project the late Sarah Mateke had secured government funding for. He also emphasized the need to finish the UGX 4.12 billion isolation unit at Kisoro Hospital, which would be crucial for the public’s healthcare needs.
Mateke praised the electorate for resisting bribes and intimidation reportedly orchestrated by Henry Ariganyira Musasizi, State Minister of Finance and Rubanda County East MP, and Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, Kinkiizi East MP and Minister of Information and National Guidance. He pointed out that Kisoro residents are more interested in developmental initiatives than in acts of impunity.
In response, Akifeza expressed her commitment to fostering development and unity in Kisoro District. The parliamentary seat became vacant following the death of Sarah Mateke Nyirabashitsi, who served as the State Minister for Defense and Veteran Affairs, on September 7, 2024.