Tensions are rising in Kashari North Constituency, Mbarara District, as personal matters surrounding the incumbent MP, Hon. Basil Bataringaya, have begun to influence the political landscape ahead of the upcoming elections. Supporters appear divided, giving a competitive advantage to his immediate rival, Hon. Patrick Musinguzi.
During joint campaign rallies, several voters openly accused Hon. Bataringaya of abandoning his official wife after winning the 2021 election. Eyewitnesses reported chaotic scenes among supporters, with emotions running high and trust in the incumbent visibly eroding.
The MP is being criticized for allegedly replacing his official wife with a fiancée, a move that has angered many within his support base. Supporters argue that his wife played a major role in his 2021 campaign success, contributing an estimated 70% to his victory.
“You used to move with your official wife during the 2021 campaigns. What happened?” a concerned voter asked during a rally in Rubindi.
Another voter voiced fears that if the MP could betray his own wife, he might also betray the people of Kashari North.
Hon. Patrick Musinguzi, Bataringaya’s main challenger, has capitalized on the controversy. At every joint rally in the constituency, he is seen accompanied by his official wife, which has resonated well with voters—especially women.
In a show of solidarity with Bataringaya’s wife, many women in the constituency have vowed not to vote for the incumbent as a form of protest against what they see as a betrayal.
When contacted by our reporter for a comment, Hon. Bataringaya downplayed the issue, saying:
“I am an African, and in our culture, having more than one wife is not an issue. Besides, the majority of voters are women, and they are the ones who support me. I have nothing more to add on that matter.”
Efforts to reach Hon. Bataringaya’s official wife for her response to the ongoing, hotly contested debate were unsuccessful at the time of publication.
