Three want to break Butime’s monopoly in Mwenge

Kampala

At least three people have expressed interest to unseat Rtd. Col. Tom Butime from representing Mwenge North Constituency in Parliament, Saturday Monitor has learnt.

The revelation comes as the race for the constituency in Kyenjojo District is heating up. Col. Butime, the incumbent legislator who has for a long time enjoyed a quiet monopoly, will now face a host of challengers including a serving army officer, Col. Stephen Kananura and district councillor David Muhumuza.

Mr Asaba David Nkojo, a businessman in Kampala and Kyenjojo is a new political entrant who is currently attracting the attention of local voters. Mwenge being a strong NRM base means that whoever wins the NRM primaries will be almost guaranteed to take the seat next year. President has always scored big in the area.

Mr Nkojo, who was in charge of the mid-western region (Bunyoro, Toro and Rwenzori) volunteers’ campaign team for President Museveni in 2006, said area representation in Parliament, needs someone who will add value on what has already been done. “I respect my fellow contestants and I do appreciate Col. Butime’s contribution to the society but now the most important thing is to add value to what has been done for the benefit of our people,” said Mr Nkojo.

He said people like the incumbent need to retire while still strong and capable so that they remain advisers and to monitor their achievements. “After consulting and making research about the socio-political and economic climate in the constituency, I need to stimulate our area for development.

This development needs a strong person with support,” he told Saturday Monitor. But Col. Butime said all his contenders are wasting time and resources. “As we speak, I have already won the election because I will win the party primaries come July/August,” Col. Butime said in a telephone interview on Thursday.

Defiant Butime
“I will win in the general elections in 2011 and also a very big post in the NRM during the delegates’ conference. I will soon announce that.” He added that the people seeking to unseat him are young and advised them not to bother but rather try 2016 when he will not be a candidate.