At least two Members of Parliament belonging to the National Resistance Movement Party (NRM) from Kisoro district have openly shown their support and allegiance to an independent candidate during today’s nomination exercise ahead of the Bukimbiri County by-elections.
Asgario Turyagenda (independent) was today nominated by the Electoral commission at the Kisoro district Council hall, Kisoro Municipality.
Turyagenda was accompanied by Kisoro Municipality MP Paul Kwizera Buchana and Bufumbira North MP John Kamala Nizeyimana.
The unexpected turn of events, comes a few days after the NRM top organ led by NRM vice chairperson for Western region, Dr Chris Baryomunsi, handed over the NRM flag to Eddie Kwizera Wa Gahungu.
Wa Gahungu’s selection as the NRM party flag bearer has irked some Members of Parliament who have openly defied the party decision.
Bukimbiri County seat fell vacant, removing Eddie Kwizera from Parliament following a high court ruling.
Hon. John Kamala said his decision to support Turyagenda is because Turyagenda is far more NRM by heart and actions than the candidate Eddie Kwizera.
According to Kamala, several independent candidates from Kisoro district have gone on to stand and win elections.
Kamala criticized Eddie Kwizera for taking the NRM party to court challenging some of its decisions, an act that did not sit well with other leaders including Bufumbira East MP Dr James Nsaba Buturo.
An audio recording obtained by Voice of Muhabura, reveals Hon. Nsaba Buturo de-campaigning the NRM candidate, saying he is a man who is unwilling to work with others and does not love Kisoro district at heart.
Kisoro Woman Member of Parliament and State Minister for Youth and Children Affairs Hon. Sarah Mateke Nyirabashisitisi has shown support for Eddie Kwizera, along with Mzee Philemon Mateke, Kisoro district’s Godfather.
The Position of Bufumbira South MP Alex Niyonsaba remains a mystery to many as he opted out of any NRM party public meetings.
An ecstatic Asgario Turyagenda said he is prepared to shine a light on Bukimbiri County after being voted into Parliament. He vowed to fix the telecommunication challenge in Bukimbiri when voted by the people.
Icumu rya Bukimbiri warns Electoral Commission
Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) candidate James Owebeyi has called on the Electoral Commission to conduct a free and fair election in bid to avoid another lawsuit.
Owebeyi made the remarks today following his nomination at Kisoro district headquarters.
According to Owebeyi James, voters are already being threatened by security personnel adding that some prominent politicians in the district are using intimidation and scare tactics to get innocent Ugandans to vote under duress.
Owebeyi further questioned the decision by Electoral Commission to put the tally centre in Kirundo Sub County which is has several disadvantages including far distance, poor road accessibility and not enough electricity connections.
“This is a strategy to ensure they manage to steal votes however the people of Bukimbiri will not stand for this, if they do anything wrong, we are prepared to take the E.C to court”, Owebeyi explained
Owebeyi’s earlier petition in court resulted in the decision by high court to repeat the Bukimbiri County by-elections, slated for August 12th 2022.
The Kisoro district retuning officer, Nayebare Daniel assured all candidates that the Electoral Commission has narrowed down any room for error adding that the elections will be free and fair.
Three more candidates including Eddie Kwizera (NRM), Mutabazi Joshua (NUP) and Mutabazi Edward (Independent) are expected to be nominated tomorrow.
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