At least 13 sitting Members of Parliament from the Ankole sub-region were defeated in the 2026 general elections, signaling a significant political upheaval in multiple districts.

In Mbarara City, Robert Mwesigwa Rukaari, the MP for Mbarara City North, was ousted in a tight contest by Christopher Bakashaba. After failing in the NRM primaries and running as an independent, Rukaari received 4,802 votes, while Bakashaba, the official NRM candidate, won with 5,478 votes.

Also in Mbarara City, incumbent Ritah Atukwase Bwahika was unseated despite polling 22,526 votes. She lost to Charity Kibaaju Kamuhanda, who secured 23,413 votes.

Bwahika, who had run independently after her defeat in the NRM primaries, contested again as an independent.

In Mitooma District, Woman MP Juliet Agatha Bashiisha fell short with 23,773 votes and was defeated by Rebecca Kyarampe, who received 43,684 votes.

In Ruhinda South, Capt. Donozio Kahonda, the sitting MP, lost to Arthur Atuheire Kazoora, who garnered 12,163 votes to claim the seat.

Buhweju District saw notable changes: Francis Mwijukye, a legislator from the People Front for Freedom (PFF) and a former parliamentary commissioner with 15 years in office, was defeated after receiving 9,790 votes. He lost to newcomer Engineer Zadock Mutekaga, who won with 11,322 votes.

Additionally, in Buhweju West, NRM’s Johnbosco Kariisa took the seat with 15,786 votes, overcoming incumbent Ephraim Biraro’s 9,874 votes.

In Ntungamo Municipality, Yona Musinguzi was voted out after polling 2,824 votes. He was beaten by Gerard Karuhanga, a persistent independent candidate making his third attempt, who collected 3,967 votes.

Beatrice Rwakimari emerged victorious in Ruhaama County, securing the seat with 30,813 votes against incumbent Henry Nkwasibwe Zinkuratire’s 19,891 votes.

In Sheema South, Elijah Mushemeza Dickens lost his position to Ephraim Kamuntu, who polled 15,337 votes compared to Mushemeza’s 10,417 votes.

Rwampara District’s Rwampara East MP Julius Tusiime Karuhanga was defeated with 11,669 votes, losing to former MP Charles Ngabirano, who won with 12,306 votes.

In Mbarara District, two incumbents were removed from office. Woman MP Margaret Rwebyambu polled 16,021 votes but was overtaken by Loydah Kyarikunda Muhimbura, who received 31,364 votes.

In Kashari North, Bazil Bataringaya garnered 10,308 votes and lost to Patrick Musinguzi, who secured 11,904 votes.

Finally, in Rubirizi District, Katerera County MP Kato Muhamad was unseated after receiving 5,376 votes. Independent candidate Boaz Atwijukire won convincingly with 16,303 votes.