President Yoweri Museveni, the chairperson of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), has summoned 13 candidates vying for the party’s flag bearer position in the Kisoro District Woman Member of Parliament byelection. The meeting is set to take place in Kampala as part of efforts to streamline the campaigning process following the death of State Minister for Defence and Veteran Affairs, Sarah Mateke, in early September.
The candidates called to the meeting include Akifeza Grace Ngabirano, Sylvia Dushime, Igiraneze Winfred Faith, Jemimah Irankunda, Rose Kabagyeni, Blessed Kitentera, Irene Mahirwe, Hellen Mbonye, Nirere Fancy Brenda, Niyikiza Louise, Allen Nkurikiye, Aphia Nyiramahoro, and Eva Twireze. The NRM Deputy Electoral Commission chairperson, John Kigyagi Arimpa, confirmed that the candidates will undergo COVID-19 testing on October 11, 2024, before meeting the president on Sunday.
While the specifics of the meeting agenda were not fully disclosed, Kigyagi emphasized the importance of unity among the candidates. He stated, “The 13 candidates are all from NRM and they need to be given guidance on how they can campaign without causing divisions in terms of ethnicity, religion, and other sectarian tendencies. The party chairperson will guide them on how to campaign amicably without causing any stress.” After the meeting, candidates will be able to resume their campaigns, which will now include rallies in three sub-counties instead of two to compensate for lost time.
Tadeo Mujyambere, the NRM district election officer for Kisoro, issued a warning to candidates about adhering to the party’s electoral rules. He noted that some candidates have been violating regulations since the start of the campaign on Tuesday. Issues include disregarding rules about processions, campaigning beyond the permitted hours, using unauthorized public address systems, and exceeding the allowed number of vehicles in their convoys.
“We sat with the candidates and agreed that we would only use one vehicle as a public address system, which would mobilize people and only play NRM songs. We also agreed that nobody would bring too many people to the campaign venues,” Mujyambere stated, stressing that outside influences can disrupt local campaigns.
Thursday marked the second day of campaigning, with the candidates addressing voters in Kisoro Municipality. They started with a joint rally at Saaza grounds and later held another rally at the local seed school in Nyakinama Sub-county.
During the campaigns, several candidates outlined their promises to voters. Jemimah Irankunda, a young lawyer and candidate, expressed her commitment to inspiring the youth in the district. She highlighted issues faced by residents from neighboring countries who visit Kisoro for shopping. “People from our neighbouring countries often acquire temporary passes to come to Uganda for shopping, but they are usually disappointed when they can’t find what they need in Kisoro. This forces them to travel to Kampala, which becomes more expensive. At times, their 24-hour passes expire before they return home, making it difficult for them to travel back legally. Kisoro should be a shopping hub for all our neighbouring countries,” she remarked.
Grace Akifeza, another candidate, focused on healthcare improvements, pledging to advocate for better facilities and medical equipment in local health centers. “I will advocate for beds in those health facilities, along with kitchens to allow caretakers to prepare food for patients. Additionally, they should be equipped with the necessary medical equipment to better serve our people,” she said.
Fancy Nirere emphasized tourism’s potential in Kisoro, promising to work with authorities to improve the district’s tourism infrastructure and promote its attractions. Former MP Rose Kabageni called for calm during the election process, urging candidates and voters to avoid spreading false information. “This by-election came about due to a tragic loss, and divisions should not mark it,” she stated.
