Ankole Earthquake: 13 Sitting MPs Swept Out in Brutal 2026 Political Shake-Up

The 2026 general elections have ushered in a dramatic political realignment across the Ankole sub-region, marking one of the most significant parliamentary turnovers the area has witnessed in recent years.

In a sweeping wave of change, no fewer than 13 sitting Members of Parliament were voted out of office, signaling shifting voter loyalties, growing political competition, and an electorate increasingly willing to embrace new leadership.

In Mbarara City North, the race turned into a fierce contest that ended the parliamentary tenure of incumbent Robert Mwesigwa Rukaari. Rukaari, who stood as an independent after losing the National Resistance Movement (NRM) primaries, garnered 4,802 votes.

He was narrowly defeated by NRM flag bearer Christopher Bakashaba, who clinched victory with 5,478 votes, highlighting the decisive influence of party backing in the city’s politics.

A similar story unfolded in Mbarara City South, where Ritah Atukwase Bwahika also failed to retain her seat. Bwahika, another independent candidate following her loss in the NRM primaries, polled 22,526 votes. Her challenger, Charity Kibaaju Kamuhanda, edged ahead with 23,413 votes, sealing a tightly fought victory and underscoring the electorate’s appetite for change.

In Mitooma District, the contest for Woman Member of Parliament produced one of the most decisive outcomes of the election. Incumbent Juliet Agatha Bashiisha was overwhelmingly defeated after polling 23,773 votes. Her challenger, Rebecca Kyarampe, dominated the race with an emphatic 43,684 votes, signaling a strong mandate from voters eager for new representation.

Ruhinda South also experienced a change in leadership, as Capt. Donozio Kahonda lost his parliamentary seat. He was defeated by Arthur Atuheir Kazoora, who secured 12,163 votes, ending Kahonda’s term in the constituency.

Buhweju District emerged as one of the epicenters of political upheaval. Veteran legislator Francis Mwijukye of the People Front for Freedom (PFF), a former Commissioner of Parliament who had served for 15 years, was voted out after polling 9,790 votes. He was defeated by first-time parliamentary contender Eng. Zadock Mutekaga, who secured 11,322 votes, marking a symbolic transition from long-serving leadership to a new generation.

The winds of change continued in Buhweju West, where incumbent Ephraim Biraro lost his seat to NRM’s John Bosco Kariisa. Kariisa registered a convincing victory with 15,786 votes, while Biraro managed 9,874 votes.

In Ntungamo Municipality, the parliamentary contest saw Yona Musinguzi lose his seat after polling 2,824 votes. Independent candidate Gerard Karuhanga triumphed with 3,967 votes, demonstrating the growing appeal of independent candidates in urban constituencies.

Ruhaama County also recorded a notable upset. Incumbent Henry Nkwasibwe Zinkuratire was defeated by Beatrice Rwakimari, who emerged victorious with 30,813 votes against Zinkuratire’s 19,891, reflecting a clear shift in voter confidence.

Sheema South added to the list of incumbent casualties, as Eliajah Mushemeza Dickens was voted out. He was defeated by Ephraim Kamuntu, who secured 15,337 votes compared to Mushemeza’s 10,417, restoring Kamuntu to Parliament.

In Rwampara District, the Rwampara East seat changed hands after incumbent Julius Tusiime Karuhanga polled 11,669 votes and lost to former MP Charles Ngabirano. Ngabirano reclaimed the constituency with 12,306 votes, staging a political comeback.

Mbarara District witnessed the defeat of two incumbents. Woman MP Margaret Rwebyambu lost her seat after polling 16,021 votes. She was defeated by Loydah Kyarikunda Muhimbura, who secured an overwhelming 31,364 votes. In Kashari North, incumbent Bazil Bataringaya was edged out by Patrick Musinguzi, who polled 11,904 votes against Bataringaya’s 10,308.

Rubirizi District completed the list of dramatic outcomes, where Katerera County MP Kato Muhamad was voted out after polling 5,376 votes. Independent candidate Boaz Atwijukire won the seat convincingly with 16,303 votes.

Overall, the election results paint a picture of a politically energized Ankole sub-region, where voters sent a clear message through the ballot. The 2026 general elections not only reshaped parliamentary representation but also reflected evolving political attitudes, with incumbency no longer guaranteeing victory and fresh leadership gaining ground across the region.