Akifeza, Kisoro's 'Never Say Die' Lives to Shake Up By-Election

Grace Akifeza narrowly lost the NRM primaries to Rose Kabagyeni but she did not lose her will and has decided to jump back into the political pot on an independent ticket

Grace Akifeza Ngabirano has the defiance of a warthog provoking a cheetah for a run in the savannah.

In the Kisoro District Woman MP by-election, Akifeza has her teeth in a tight grit and will not let go to the end.

That end comes on November 14 when voters decide who fills the vacant seat left by the untimely passing on of Sarah Mateke last September.

Coming for the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) primaries, she lost the flag to Rose Kabagyeni but not the will to fight and her decision to jump right back into the race as an independent shows a woman with a fight to last the distance.

The by-election has drawn significant interest from six candidates vying for the Kisoro Woman MP position.

The race has attracted contenders such as Rose Kabagyeni (NRM), Salim Sultana (NUP), Aisha Cyimpaye (PPP), Juliet Musanase (FDC), Mable Ingabire (UPC), and Ngabirano herself as an independent candidate.

So, who is Grace Akifeza Ngabirano, the unexpected political force in Kisoro?

Born in Matinza Village, Nyakabande Sub-county, Kisoro District, Ngabirano began her education at Matinza Primary School, attended Seseme Girls Secondary School, and later earned a bachelor’s degree in social sciences from Nairobi University.

Driven by her passion for advocacy, she pursued a master’s degree in child rights at Kurt Bosch University and another in gender development studies from Nairobi University, along with a diploma in project management from Makerere University.

Now 52, Ngabirano—meaning "gold" in her local language—is a well-established businesswoman based in Kampala, married to Mr Michael Ngabirano, and a mother of four.

She has a rich background in human rights, formerly serving as a senior rehabilitation officer with Uganda’s Ministry of Gender and later with Kenya's National Human Rights organization.

Despite this being her first run in active politics, she has long been engaged in leadership roles within her community and church and currently serves as the vice chairperson of her village in Kampala.

Her political inspiration? None other than President Museveni, whose approach to leadership she aims to emulate in her journey.

Akifeza stresses that her candidacy is purely backed by her determination and family support.

"I had to jump in and act quickly," she said, explaining that her decision came so suddenly that even her close friends were taken by surprise.

"The votes I received in the NRM primaries show that I have support from Kisoro people and, possibly, beyond."

If elected, Ngabirano plans to champion the NRM manifesto, with a focus on improving health and infrastructure in Kisoro, aiming to build on the legacy of the late Sarah Mateke.

"I want to continue the work she left unfinished, supporting programs that were already in progress," she noted.

As the November 14, 2024, election date nears, the stakes in Kisoro are high. With Ngabirano’s entry, the by-election promises to be a closely watched race.