Security heightened in Kisoro as by-election voting materials arrive

Voting materials have arrived in Kisoro ahead of Thursday’s District Woman MP by-election.

The seat became vacant following the death in September of Sarah Mateke Nyirabashitsi, who also served as the state minister for Defense and Veteran Affairs.

Daniel Nayebare, Kisoro district returning officer, confirmed that the materials arrived in the district around 2:00 a.m. on Tuesday and will be dispatched to the 322 polling stations on Thursday starting at 4:30 a.m.

The by-election has attracted six candidates: Grace Akifeza Ngabirano (independent), Rose Kabagyeni (NRM), Juliet Musanase (FDC), Aisha Chimpaye (PPP), Sultana Salim Tana (NUP), and Meble Ingabire (UPC).

There is a visibly heightened security presence across Kisoro municipality and remote areas of the district, with the army and police patrolling key locations. Elly Maate, the Kigezi region police spokesperson, explained that the increased security aims to ensure a peaceful conclusion to the campaigns.