Rukungiri NRM registrar granted Shs 15m bail

Rukungiri district National Resistance Movement (NRM) registrar Wright Mwongyera has been released on a Shs 15 million non-cash bail after being charged with electoral malpractice.

Mwongyera was arrested last Thursday following a controversial declaration of Mathias Mwesigwa as the Rubabo Constituency NRM flag bearer on July 19, 2025, after he ordered the eviction of his closest rival, Alex Rugonde, from the tally centre.

According to results announced by Mwongyera, Mwesigwa won with 10,264 votes, while Rugonde trailed with 9,704 votes. Rugonde protested, claiming that eight polling stations had been marred by irregularities, prompting the tense standoff at the tally centre.

The controversy deepened when it emerged that Mwongyera’s declaration letter was dated July 18, a day before the official announcement. He was arrested and taken to Rukungiri Police Station and, on Friday, was presented in court, only to be returned to custody due to the absence of a presiding magistrate.

On Monday afternoon, Mwongyera was formally charged with electoral malpractice before the Rukungiri Chief Magistrate’s court, where grade one magistrate Gonzaga Mbarabgu granted him non-cash bail.

His sureties included Samuel Mpamize, 73, peasant farmer from Rwerere town council, Henry Ngateireyo, 68, Mwongyera’s biological father and Garshom Mutungura, 51, – Mwongyera’s uncle.

Each surety was bonded at Shs 10 million non-cash. The case has been adjourned to September 15, 2025. Meanwhile, Rugonde welcomed the court’s decision, calling for calm and patience among his supporters. He urged the court to expedite the trial, noting that its outcome will determine whether he will return to the race as an independent candidate should the ruling not favour him.