KASESE, UGANDA: Seven candidates have been nominated to contest in the Busongora South parliamentary by-elections. The two days exercise that commenced on Monday closed Tuesday at the EC offices in Kasese town.
The seven candidates are; Mbaju Jackson Kathika of the National Unity Platform-NUP, Businge Bernadette for the Democratic Party-DP, Kighema Alozious Baguma of the Forum for Democratic Change-FDC, and Thembo Gideon Mujunjo of the National Resistance Movement-NRM party.
Others are, Milindwa David Isimbwa, Doreen Izagiire, and Juma Munezro both independent candidates.
The Kasese District Returning Officer Ismael Atwijukire Takih, five aspirants who had picked forms, did not turn up for nominations. According to Takih, the candidates will meet the EC team to harmonize their campaign program.
Isimbwa dismissed reports that he met President Museveni and agreed to support the NRM flag bearer. He said that although the meeting took place, they discussed issues affecting the people of Busongora.
He promised to focus on addressing the poverty levels in the constituency and help people benefit from the immense natural resources in the low lands.
Munezero says he will focus on developing sports and arts in the constituency to help young people find alternative employment opportunities. He said that he opted to contest as an independent after his party-the Alliance for National Transformation-ANT seemed hesitant to participate in the by-election.
The National Vice Chairperson NRM party, Al Haji Moses Kigongo rallied the population to support the party candidate for better representation.
Nelson Tushime, the Rwenzori East Police Spokesperson said police and sister agencies will do their best to ensure the election activities are conducted peacefully. He appealed to candidates and their supporters to refrain from any acts that might cause conflict.
The seat fell vacant after the Court of Appeal nullified the election of NRM’s Mujungu last month on grounds that the elections were marred by gross irregularities.
Three Justices of Appeal led by Fredrick Egonda Ntende overturned the decision of the High Court in Fort Portal and concurred with Thembo’s rival Kathika that there were irregularities at Katunguru Primary school, Katunguru Market, and Busunga Primary school polling stations in Kasese District.
The Electoral Commission-EC has set August 18 as the day for the by-election.
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