A section of parliamentary aspirants in Kisoro District has raised concerns over the growing levels of impunity and commercialization of votes, warning that these trends could lead to the election of incompetent leaders and ultimately undermine service delivery in the district.
The warnings come as the National Resistance Movement (NRM) prepares for its primary elections, scheduled for July 16, 2025, with joint campaign activities expected to commence next Tuesday.
Speaking at a press conference held at Bamboo Gardens today, Bufumbira South Member of Parliament Kwiringira Derick strongly condemned the rising political impunity in the region. He criticized the removal of opponents’ campaign signposts by hired agents, linking it to the growing monetization of the electoral process.
At the same venue, during a separate press briefing held yesterday, Kisoro Municipality MP aspirant Sam Byibesho echoed similar concerns.
He noted that the increasing commercialization of elections has led some politicians to invest heavily in campaigns, only to become disillusioned when their financial efforts fail to secure voter support.
He warned that such disillusionment can weaken the bond between elected leaders and their constituents, thereby harming effective service delivery.
Byibesho also called on fellow candidates to remain calm and demonstrate true leadership qualities. He emphasized the importance of respect, composure, and consideration among aspirants, especially during periods of intense political competition.
