Summary:
- Mulindwa highlighted reports that some NRM leaders in Kisoro have been using party-issued vehicles to support candidates other than Kabagyeni.
KISORO: The National Resistance Movement (NRM) spokesperson, Rogers Mulindwa, has warned NRM leaders in Kisoro District who oppose the party’s official candidate, Rose Kabagyeni, in the upcoming Woman Member of Parliament by-election.
Mulindwa announced that the NRM would consider withdrawing vehicles allocated to these leaders if they continue to use party resources to support rival candidates.
Kabagyeni was selected as the NRM flag-bearer after narrowly winning the October 25, 2024, primaries with 39,941 votes, edging out her closest challenger, Grace Ngabirano Akifeza, who garnered 39,197 votes. Irene Muhirwe and Fancy Brenda Nirere received 1,729 and 1,593 votes, respectively.
However, Kabagyeni’s victory has stirred controversy, with some NRM leaders and supporters in Kisoro District questioning the legitimacy of the results and claiming irregularities in the primaries.
Mulindwa highlighted reports that some NRM leaders in Kisoro have been using party-issued vehicles to support candidates other than Kabagyeni. In 2020, President Yoweri Museveni distributed motorcycles to NRM sub-county leaders across Uganda to boost grassroots mobilization.
Mulindwa emphasized that using these resources to support non-NRM candidates would be considered a breach of party guidelines.
CUE IN MULINDWA…..ON VEHICLES……..LUG/ENG//
As the campaigns intensify, candidates have begun pledging to tackle key issues affecting Kisoro District. Grace Ngabirano Akifeza, who is running as an independent following her loss in the primaries, has continued to gain support by focusing on resolving local challenges. Meanwhile, Rose Kabagyeni has called on all NRM members to unite and rally behind her to secure a strong party presence in the district.
CUE IN CANDIDATES…….ON PROMISES……RR/ENG//
The by-election, scheduled for November 14, 2024, promises a competitive race, with additional candidates vying for the seat: Salim Sultana from the National Unity Platform (NUP), Aisha Cyimpaye from the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Juliet Musanase representing the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), and Mable Ingabire of the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC).
This by-election follows the passing of former Kisoro Woman MP and State Minister for Defence and Veteran Affairs, Sarah Mateke Nyirabashitsi, who died in early September.
