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Excitement as seven women pick nomination forms for Rukungiri by-election

FDC candidate, Ms Betty Muzanira arrives at the nomination centre accompanied by former presidential candidate Dr Kizza Besigye and other members of the opposition. PHOTO BY PEREZ RUMANZI

What you need to know:

  • Rukungiri town is painted blue (official FDC colour) by enthusiastic supporters ahead of the party candidate’s nomination. The by-election is highly anticipated to be a tight race mainly between two candidates- Masiko and Muzanira.
  • Court annulled the February 2016 election in which the two participated and ordered for a by-lection following a petition filed by Ms Muzanira challenging the results.

At least seven contestants have picked nomination forms for the Rukungiri by-election set for May 31, 2018.
The electoral commission returning officer, Mr Umar Kiyimba said three of the contestants are candidates from the opposition Forum for Democratic change (FDC), People’s Progressive Party (PPP) and the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) while the others are on the independent tickets.

FDC’s Betty Bamukwasa Muzanira, NRM’s Winfred Masiko are again expected to participate in the election that was annulled by Court of Appeal on March 22, 2018. Court annulled the February 2016 election in which the two participated and ordered for a by-lection following

Rukungiri Woman MP loser petitions court

Ms Betty Muzanira of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party, who contested for Rukungiri district Woman MP seat, has petitioned the High Court to nullify the election of her rival Winfred Masiko Komuhangi

challenging the results.

Ms Sheila Atukunda Kirebete (L) after signing nomination papers at the Rukungiri district council in preparation for her nomination on Wednesday PHOTO BY PEREZ RUMANZI

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“At times many candidates pick forms but few of them return them. We have candidates who have booked. We are expecting them all. That will be a success,” Mr Kiyimba told Daily Monitor at the nomination centre set at Rukungiri District council hall on Wednesday morning.

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Other candidates who had picked nomination forms by Wednesday morning include Ms Elizabeth Kyoshaba, Ms Sheila Atukunda Kirebete, Ms Fabith Kukundakwe of Peoples’ progressive party, former Rukungiri woman MP Ms Prisca Sezi Mbaguta and Ms Elizabeth Rwakitonera.
The nominations are for scheduled for May 2 and May 3, 2018 according to the election roadmap by the EC. Campaigns begin on May 4 to May 29 as voting is for May 31, 2018.

Ms Atukunda told Daily Monitor at the nomination centre that she is ready for the elections despite intimidation and other expectations.
“I am a youthful candidate and therefore I have high hopes and belief that I have a lot to do for the people of Rukungiri, especially at this time as an independent MP. I have done so many other works,” she said.
Meanwhile, Rukungiri town is painted blue (official FDC colour) by enthusiastic supporters ahead of the party candidate’s nomination. The by-election is highly anticipated to be a tight race mainly between two candidates- Masiko and Muzanira.

FDC supporters at the party offices in Rukungiri town ahead of nomination of their candidate, Ms Betty Muzanira. PHOTO BY PEREZ RUMANZI

Former FDC presidential candidate Dr Kizza Besigye, Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, Kyaddondo East MP Mr Robert Ssentamu Kyagulanyi alias Bobi Wine, leader of the Opposition in Parliament Ms Winfred Kizza among other opposition members slept in Rukungiri on Tuesday.
Ms Masiko is expected to be nominated on Thursday according to Mr Kiyimba. Ms Muzanira, Ms Atukunda and Ms Mbaguta booked Wednesday for their nomination. Electoral commissioner Mr Steven Tashobya is overseeing the exercise on behalf of the commission.

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