I will not contest again in 2031 – Bukimbiri’s Kwizera

Kwizera Eddie Wa-Gahungu, the Bukimbiri County legislator, will quit elective politics in 2031, he says.

The vocal and fearless legislator banks on this assurance ahead of the 2026 polls, with party primaries scheduled for early next year.

A 2,109 margin was enough for Kwizera to beat his closest contender, Asgario Turyagyenda, to clinch the seat.

Kwizera, who represented Bufumbira East as a first timer in the 9^th Parliament, currently represents Bukimbiri County as its inaugural MP, after it was curved from Bufumbira East and North Constituencies in the run up to the 2021 polls.

His stay in the 11^th Parliament was however cut short when James Owebeyi, the opposition Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party flag bearer who lost the Bukimbiri County MP seat petitioned the Court of Appeal, demanding the nullification of Kwizera’s victory. 

Kwizera, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) flag bearer, had been declared the winner in the election with 11,821 votes, while Owebeyi got 107 votes. However, Owebeyi argued that the election was marred with irregularities. 

Although the candidates’ photos and party symbols that appeared on ballot papers were genuine, the names were not those of the candidates. The ballots displayed the names of Arthur Kazoora Atuzarirwe as the NRM flag bearer, Didas Byaruhanga Kagyinda as FDC flag bearer, Victor Atwiine and Donzio Kahonda Mugabe as independent candidates.  

The Court of Appeal on June 6, 2022, nullified Kwizera’s victory and ordered for a by-election.

Kwizera argues that much as he was not responsible for the errors by the Electoral Commission (EC), his victory was inadvertently cut short.

On several occasions, Kwizera has challenged his intending contenders to save their energy for 2031 when he intends to wrap up his political career.

While addressing residents at Kasharara in Kirundo Sub County in June 2023, Kwizera stated that he was unhappy that his stay in the 11^th Parliament was cut short by 2 months.

“Among all the Kisoro MPs, I am the only one who will not complete my 5 years in Parliament. They removed me from parliament for 2 months yet I had made a pledge to myself that I would not contest in 2026. But when our victory was nullified and chased from Parliament and my term shortened, I have to recover the lost time. I’m telling those interested in 2031 elections that I will not be with you, but for 2026, I am here,” said Kwizera, to hundreds of jubilating supporters.

While officiating as the chief guest at the installation of the Holy Eucharist at Kashenyi Catholic Church in Nyanamo Town Council on Sunday, July 7^th, Kwizera warned Asgario off the seat.

“I am advising my friend Asgario to be truthful enough so that we have a decent representative when I leave Parliament. I am saying it I will not be a candidate in 2031. So, let him go slow as he learns politics from me,” Kwizera said.

Mr Asgario had earlier addressed the gathering by taking a swipe at Kwizera, whom he vowed to unseat come 2026.

Asgario said, “I’m shaking the tree and fruits are falling. He is working for us because we gave him our votes. I will continue shaking but time is close for me to take the flag. Let him continue working for us, but when the political season arrives, I will come here. During my time, I will also be reaching at the grassroot to meet you people, not you running after me.”

He also reminded the incumbent MP to prepare to leave parliament in the remaining one year.

Asgario Turyagyenda, was his closest rival both in the general election and by-election. He lost to Kwizera by 11,330 to 11,821 and 10,105 to 12,214, respectively.

At the function, Hon Kwizera delivered Shs 5 million from his family and friends. He noted that this money should be used to start the process of constructing quarters for Parish priests as Kashenyi prepares to be elevated to a parish status.

Meanwhile, the Dean of Rubanda Deanery, Rt. Rev. Tibemanya Ireneus who represented Bishop Callistus Rubaramira at the function, urged Christians to make use of all the 7 sacraments. He commended Hon. Gahungu for his contribution towards the Catholic Church urging him to continue the good work. He also presented a certificate of appreciation to Hon. Gahungu from Muko Parish for his support towards Kashenyi center.