Baker Kyabamde Njuki, the loser in the NRM primary elections for Kampala Central, says the party leaders have concentrated on the winners and neglected losers, who need counseling.
As they start their campaigns, the candidates messages to the electorate are centred around resolving the challenges that have characterised Kayunga over the years. One of the key issues is the decade long fight between the NRM District Chairperson Moses Karangwa and the Woman Member of Parliament Idah Nantaba.
The race attracted six candidates including Andrew Muwonge of the ruling National Resistance Movement-NRM party, Harriet Nakwede of the National Unity Platform-NUP, Anthony Waddimba from the Democratic Party-DP and independent candidates; Boniface Bandikubi, Majid Nyanzi and Jamil Kamoga. They are all seeking to replace Feffeka Serubogo, who died just months after taking office.
Sylvia Kyohairwe Tegyeza, the Rakai District Returning Officer Tegyeza asked the candidates and their supporters to adhere to the COVID-19 Standard Operating Procedures-SOPs and refrain from acts of violence.
Anthony Mwaita Ambrose, the Nakasongola District Returning Officer, says that among those nominated is Fred Lubinga, the National Unity Platform candidate, and National Resistance Movement-NRM party candidate, Gaster Yawe Musisi who are eying the vacant Katuugo town council LC 3 chairperson seat following the death of the former chairperson, George William shortly after swearing-in.
The EC Public Relations Officer Paul Bukenya says they have cautioned candidates against holding campaigns and processions before December 2, but to their surprise police has relaxed on the enforcement role which has given the NRM candidate Andrew Muwonge opportunity to stage procession immediately after his nomination.
The by-election will be conducted for the Kifamba Male Youth Councilor position which fell vacant following the death of Augustine Jaggwe of National Unity Platform-NUP who died in a car accident. The other position is for the Female Elderly Representative for Lwentulege Town council, PWD which is vacant following the death of Regina Nambooze.
Sylvia Tegyeza, the Rakai District Registrar, said that the aspirants were ready with their nomination forms, but were yet to be stamped by the Chief Magistrate Patrick Kityo who was not in the office.
Nyanzi’s decision to contest for the LCV seat has attracted criticism, especially from the National Resistance Movement-NRM party members. They accuse him of intentionally disrupting Andrew Muwonge, the NRM flag bearer.
“It is hereby agreed as follows: That Civil Suit No. 34 of 2021 against the defendants herein be and is hereby withdrawn unconditionally. That each party bears its own costs,” the withdrawal notice read in part.
Led by Fred Watuwa, the Kayunga District NRM Registrar and the administrator, Betty Namazzi, say that the chairperson stopped them from conducting the party activities at the district office when they declined to back his daughter, Jackline Birungi as their candidate for the district woman parliamentary seat in the 2020 primaries and instead declared Agatha Nalubwama who genuinely won the polls.
Jamir Kamoga, a teacher of Chemistry and Physics at St. Mary’s College Lugazi, says that he decided to compete for the party ticket following the overwhelming appeals from residents encouraging him to follow in the footsteps of his father.
Brenda Aguti, a second-year student from the College of Business and Administration management noted that she had made several attempts to vote online in vain. She said that she repeatedly got a message reading an invalid email.
The Commission also announced that residual elections will take place in Kazwama Town Council to fill the position of LCIII Chairperson and Parish Councillors after cancelling the initial process over a mix up of registers.
Candidates contesting for positions in Lower Local Council are required to pay 20,000 Shillings, those vying for district Council positions pay 50,000 Shillings, Municipal Councilors pay 50,000 Shillings while Members of Parliament pay three million Shillings for their nomination.
