Butaleja, Uganda: The family of the late Joseph Muyonjo, the Butaleja District LCV Chairperson candidate, has endorsed Canan Hibombo, a retired procurement officer, as their chosen successor and preferred NRM flag bearer for the vacant seat.
The endorsement was announced on Sunday during Muyonjo’s burial ceremony at his ancestral home in Bingo, Nawanjofu Sub-county, which drew an estimated 30,000 mourners from across the district and neighbouring areas.
The Electoral Commission has scheduled fresh nominations for the Butaleja LCV by-election for October 27 and 28, according to its spokesperson Julius Muchunguzi. Several other politicians, including Elvis Weere, Richard Waya, and Jacob Wangolo, have already expressed interest in the race.
The requiem mass was celebrated by Fr. Gaetano Ochieng, Parish Priest of Mulagi Catholic Parish, while Emmanuel Dombo, the NRM Director of Communication, served as the chief mourner.
Fr. Gaetano used the occasion to condemn witchcraft and divisive politics in Butaleja, describing them as “widespread and destructive forces” undermining development in the district. “The spirit of hatred and witchcraft must be defeated if Butaleja is to move forward,” Fr. Gaetano said.
Dombo, in his address, called for reconciliation and political maturity, urging district leaders to redirect their energy toward unity and the long-delayed installation of a Bunyole Cultural Leader.
“I have always stood for unity,” Dombo said. “I supported Richard Waya for LCV in 2006, Joseph Muyonjo in 2011 and 2025, and Yusuf Mutembuli for MP in 2021 — even when they never wished me well initially.”
He described Muyonjo as a selfless leader who worked tirelessly to unite people regardless of political differences.
Leaders Pay Tribute to Late Muyonjo
Hajji Imran Muluga, the Resident District Commissioner of Soroti, hailed Lt. Muyonjo for uniting him with Dombo, once his political rival, and pledged to support the education of Muyonjo’s children.
James Waluswaka, the Bunyole West MP and chairperson of the burial organizing committee, reminded mourners that forgiveness and love are divine values, stressing that unity remains central to development.
“Our brother worked for peace and progress. Let us honour him by reconciling and supporting one another,” Waluswaka said.
Florence Andiru Nebanda, the Butaleja Woman MP, praised Muyonjo as a visionary leader who invested in his district’s growth despite numerous political challenges.
Similarly, Sarah Annet Logose, the NRM flag bearer for District Woman MP, described Muyonjo as a “brilliant teacher and mentor” whose legacy will continue to inspire young leaders.
Agatha Hamba, another Woman MP candidate, called for continued compassion and financial support toward Muyonjo’s children.
However, Richard Waya, a former district chairman, suggested that Muyonjo’s death may have had political motives, a claim that remains unverified by authorities.
Peter Kaita Munghesi, the NUP parliamentary candidate for Bunyole West County, also eulogized the deceased, describing him as generous, development-minded, and a leader who “died too soon, leaving a vacuum in Butaleja’s leadership.”
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