Ntungamo's Political Titans: Kabasharira and Rwakimari Emerge as Parliament Colleagues After Decades of Rivalry

For years, the political landscape of Ntungamo District was largely defined by the intense rivalry between Naome Kabasharira and Beatrice Rwakimari. Their battle for the District Woman MP seat saw them swap the position multiple times between 2001 and 2021. However, the upcoming 12th Parliament marks a new chapter as both women have secured directly elected constituency seats: Kabasharira for Rushenyi County and Rwakimari for Ruhaama County, with Viola Namanya now holding the Woman MP slot.

Kabasharira’s shift to constituency politics in 2021 saw her successfully challenge former Deputy Attorney General Mwesigwa Rukutana in Rushenyi. This contest, marked by accusations of voter intimidation, highlighted a growing demand for change among the constituents. Kabasharira, who first entered Parliament in 1993, emphasized that leadership is about service delivery, unity, and lobbying for constituents’ needs, rather than gender.

The rivalry between the two women dates back to 2001 when Kabasharira faced a petition that challenged her academic credentials, an action she attributes to Rwakimari. This event intensified their political competition, leading to several electoral contests where they alternated victories. Journalist Rwambuka Mugisha noted that voters often faced a difficult choice due to both women’s strong track records in serving their communities, with Rwakimari focusing on infrastructure and community development, and Kabasharira on household income and agricultural support.

Despite past political battles, both Kabasharira and Rwakimari have expressed a desire to move past their rivalry, stating that their focus remains on the development of Ntungamo. They believe their shared experience, though gained through competition, will allow them to collectively advocate for the district’s interests in Parliament. Political analysts and constituents see this new arrangement as an opportunity to observe their distinct leadership styles and assess their contributions to their respective constituencies and the wider district. This transition also signals a potential shift away from the historical focus on gender-based affirmative action seats towards directly elected positions for experienced women leaders.

“Our jurisdiction will be constituencies, but our experience shall be Ntungamo, and it’s the people who benefit,” Rwakimari stated, reflecting a sentiment shared by Kabasharira that their past contests were always rooted in serving the interests of Ntungamo.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)