Summary:
- Mateke claimed that some religious leaders in Kisoro have been financially supporting specific candidates, and he urged them to stop this practice to avoid consequences.
KISORO: The Kisoro District NRM Chairperson, Dr. Philemon Mateke, has cautioned religious leaders against involving themselves in the ongoing Kisoro District Woman Member of Parliament by-election.
Dr. Mateke issued the warning on Wednesday during a discussion about the resumption of the NRM’s joint campaign program, scheduled for today (Thursday 17th October, 2024). The campaign had been temporarily paused after the NRM Party Chairperson, President Yoweri Museveni, summoned all candidates to Kampala for a consensus meeting.
As a result, five candidates Silvia Dushime, Niyikiza Louis Nalongo, Nkurikiye Allen, Nyiramahoro Aphia, and Twizere Evan pulled out of the race.
While addressing the remaining candidates and security personnel at the district NRM office, Dr. Mateke advised religious leaders to refrain from interfering in the election process. He claimed that some religious leaders in Kisoro have been financially supporting specific candidates, and he urged them to stop this practice to avoid consequences.
Dr. Mateke instructed the district NRM election officer, Mujyambere Tadeo, to issue formal warnings to religious leaders. However, Mujyambere declined, stating that he lacked the authority to manage religious leaders in the district.
In response, Dr. Mateke offered to write the letters himself, reiterating the need for religious leaders to stay out of political matters. He also urged the candidates to avoid personal attacks during their campaigns, instead encouraging them to focus on presenting their manifestos to the voters, so the best candidate would win.
CUE IN MATEKE…….ON RELIGIOUS LEADERS…….ENG//
Dr. Mateke also expressed displeasure with a presidential envoy who visited Kisoro without informing the district party leaders. Although he did not reveal the official’s identity, it was reported that the NRM Vice Chairperson for Western Uganda, Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, visited Kisoro the previous week, meeting some candidates without notifying the district party leaders or the district security team.
Dr. Mateke emphasized that any official sent by the president should keep the RDC’s office and other district leaders informed to ensure transparency in district activities.
CUE IN MATEKE……..ON DISSATISFACTION……ENG//
Kisoro District Deputy RDC, Robert Tukamuhabwa, reported that no significant issues had been encountered since the start of the NRM joint campaign. He stressed the need for cooperation with security personnel, urging all candidates to follow campaign guidelines.
CUE IN TUKAMUHABWA……ON SECURITY……ENG//
