RUBIRIZI — Voters in Rubirizi District have elected 30-year-old Obed Agaba Byakureka as their new LC5 chairman, replacing veteran politician Sylvester Agubanshongorera, 70, in a contest that highlights a growing generational shift in local government leadership.
Byakureka’s victory follows the recently concluded general elections that ushered in new faces across Parliament and district leadership structures.
In Rubirizi, the transition is particularly striking, marking a change from a decade-long administration to one of the youngest district chairpersons in the region.
Agubanshongorera, who had served as LC5 chairman for 10 years, bowed out of the race after losing the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party primaries.
He later chose not to contest as an independent candidate, effectively ending his tenure.
Speaking to The Nile Post, Agubanshongorera attributed his defeat in the primaries to sectarian and ethnic dynamics within district politics.
“Katerera County people didn’t like me so much because they had fronted a candidate. Bunyaruguru too didn’t vote for me because they had three candidates. There are many Banyaruguru and I am a Mukiga, so that is how I lost the primaries,” he said.
Reflecting on his time in office, Agubanshongorera said his biggest regret was the lack of cohesion between district leadership and Members of Parliament, which he believes slowed development.
“I think I was unfortunate. The whole ten years I have been LC5 for Rubirizi, I didn’t work well with the Members of Parliament. We have been disagreeing and they have not been helpful. When they come, they want to show that they are doing things,” he said.
Byakureka, a health practitioner and tutor by profession, dismissed claims that his age was a limitation, insisting that his election was based on ideas and vision rather than youthfulness.
“For those who say I am younger than the position, that is weak thinking. My vision for the district is to ensure that the gap between leaders and the local people is bridged. That has nothing to do with age but service delivery,” he said.
He pledged to prioritise unity among leaders and improve coordination to ensure the district fully utilises its budget and development potential.
“We want to do everything in partnership as leaders and the local community, balancing the two counties of Katerera and Bunyaruguru in service provision, from road infrastructure to education and health,” Byakureka said.
The chairman-elect also committed to following up on presidential campaign pledges, particularly the establishment of a district hospital, noting that collaboration with Members of Parliament would be key.
“When the President was campaigning in Rubirizi, he pledged a district hospital. The MPs should be able to follow it up, which I will remind them constantly. As my role suggests, I must ensure resources are put to the right use under keen supervision,” he said.
Despite his earlier defeat, Agubanshongorera expressed confidence in his successor, saying Byakureka had the potential to lead effectively.
“Despite his young age and education, some people are born talented. He will probably manage,” he said.
Former Bunyaruguru County MP Gaudiozo Tindamanyire urged the new chairman to embrace cooperation, describing leadership as a divine mandate expressed through the voters.
“The voice of God comes from the people who have given him the mandate. As LC5 chairman, stoop to conquer. Work with the MPs, because the LC5 does not do appropriation and must work with Parliament,” Tindamanyire said.
He added that unity between the two counties was essential for development.
“Rubirizi District is one, despite the two counties of Bunyaruguru and Katerera. If one MP is not present, the other should present issues from both counties. That is coordination and teamwork,” he said.
Both Katerera and Bunyaruguru constituencies elected new Members of Parliament in last month’s general elections, with incumbents — including the district woman MP — losing their seats, further underlining the scale of political change in the district.
