John Mbonigaba, also known as John King, a local musician and radio presenter at Voice of Muhabura FM, has been elected Mayor of Kisoro Municipality.
Mbonigaba, who stood as an Independent candidate, defeated the National Resistance Movement (NRM) flag bearer and Kisoro District Vice Chairperson, Mr Alex Nambajimana, in a tightly contested race.
The results were declared by the Kisoro District Returning Officer, Mr Daniel Nayebare, who confirmed Mbonigaba as the winner in accordance with the law.
“Accordingly, as Returning Officer for Kisoro Electoral District and in accordance with Section 147 of the Local Governments Act, Cap. 138, I declare Mbonigaba John who has obtained the largest number of votes to be elected candidate for Kisoro Electoral District, Kisoro Municipality Electoral Area,” Mr Nayebare said.
Mbonigaba secured victory after polling 4,189 votes. His closest challenger, Mr Nambajimana of the NRM, came second with 1,798 votes.
Other candidates trailed behind, with Mr Ramathan Ndikuyeze, an Independent, obtaining 808 votes, Mr Richard Tuyishime, also an Independent, polling 106 votes, and Mr Emmanuel Muhumuza, another Independent, getting 39 votes.
Mr Owen Ahimbisibwe of the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) came last with 18 votes.
Mbonigaba’s win marks a significant political shift in Kisoro Municipality, with an Independent candidate defeating the ruling party’s flag bearer in the mayoral race.
