Opposition Criticizes Endorsement of Ruth Nyiraneza to succeed Late Sarah Mateke, Call for Democratic Process

Summary:

• Kisoro District council and local leaders recently endorsed Nyiraneza to succeed the late Sarah Mateke Nyirabashitsi, who served as the Woman Member of Parliament for Kisoro District and State Minister of Defense in charge of Veteran Affairs.

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KISORO: Political analysts and opposition leaders in Kisoro District have expressed concerns over the growing trend of relatives replacing deceased Members of Parliament after the recent endorsement of Ruth Nyiraneza, sister of the late Sarah Mateke Nyirabashitsi, as her successor in Kisoro.

The Kisoro District council and local leaders recently endorsed Nyiraneza to succeed the late Sarah Mateke Nyirabashitsi, who served as the Woman Member of Parliament for Kisoro District and State Minister of Defense in charge of Veteran Affairs. During the send-off of the late Nyirabashitsi, John Kamara Nizeyimana, Chairperson of the Kisoro Leaders Forum and Member of Parliament for Bufumbira North, introduced Ruth Nyiraneza Mateke to Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, Vice Chairperson of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) for the Western Region, and Vice President Rtd Maj Jessica Alupo, who was the chief mourner representing President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. Nyiraneza was presented as the preferred candidate chosen by the Bafumbira community to succeed her late sister.

However, the endorsement has been met with opposition. The Kisoro District National Unity Platform (NUP) chairperson, Sibomana Laban, distanced himself from the decision, arguing that it was made by members of the NRM and did not reflect the will of the entire electorate. He emphasized that voters should be free to elect leaders without family ties influencing the process.

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Musanase Juliet, acting chairperson of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) in Kisoro District, and Mushakamba Vincent, chairperson of the FDC Katonga faction in the district, also opposed Nyiraneza’s endorsement. They urged that the electorate should be allowed to exercise their democratic rights without undue influence.

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Political analyst Mugisha Andrew called on district leaders and stakeholders to take more time before making such decisions. He noted that simply succeeding the deceased does not guarantee the successor’s ability to match the performance of their predecessor. He urged the public to properly mourn the late Nyirabashitsi and carefully consider the next steps.

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Meanwhile, Bukimbiri County MP Eddy Kwizera Wangahungu supported the trend of relatives replacing deceased Members of Parliament, stating that it could foster a positive culture in politics.

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However, Minister for ICT and National Guidance Dr. Chris Baryomunsi assured the public that the selection of the next Woman MP for Kisoro will strictly follow constitutional guidelines.

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