Christians in Kyanamira Sub County, Kabale District, on Sunday booed and embarrassed Immaculate Kagwa Nyemera, a 2026 Kabale District Woman MP aspirant, after she criticized incumbent Hon. Catherine Atwakiire Ndamira for deciding to run as an independent candidate.
The incident occurred during the elevation and inauguration of St. Francis Catholic Centre to parish status, a function presided over by the Bishop of Kabale Diocese, Rt. Rev. Callist Rubaramira, at St. Francis Kyanamira College playground.
Tensions arose after Hon. Atwakiire announced her bid to contest as an independent in the 2026 general elections, citing irregularities that she says denied her victory in the NRM primaries. She lost the party flag to Enid Origumisiriza.
During the event, the master of ceremonies, Christmas Dezi, jokingly suggested that independent candidates should rally behind one strong contender, such as Hon. Atwakiire to challenge the NRM flag bearer.
However, when Kagwa took the microphone, she rejected the idea and accused Atwakiire of refusing to give others a chance, saying she had been given a “red card” in the NRM primaries. Her remarks were met with loud boos from the congregation, with many accusing her of disrespecting the incumbent.
CUE IN KAGWA…..ON THE MATTER……RR//
In her response, Hon. Atwakiire defended her decision, stressing her capability to challenge the NRM flag bearer and urging all aspirants to embrace respectful and peaceful campaigns.
CUE IN ATWAKIIRE…..ON THE RESPONSE…..RR//
Other independent aspirants, including Kabale-based journalist Trust Kyomugisha and Grace Ankunda Bekunda Bwesigye, called on voters to choose leaders based on their ability to deliver services rather than on religion or personal affiliations.
