Byamukama withdraws from Buhweju MP race

Buhweju - One of the three candidates in the Buhweju District woman MP by-election, Ms Alison Byamukama, has pulled out of the race.

This was after she agreed to take up a government job that President Museveni has offered.

On Friday, President Museveni who appeared at two rallies in Bisya and Nyakishana sub-counties campaigned for Ms Oliver Koyekyenga as the NRM flag bearer.

He, however, urged voters to back the party candidate while Ms Byamukama takes up a job that will directly handle development concerns of Buhweju.

Ms Koyekyenga’s election on September 28, stirred controversy resulting into a section of the party supporters backing Ms Byamukama - who was the first runner-up - to contest as an independent.

MS Koyekyenga is a sister–in-law to Eng John Bosco Kariisa whose wife Joy Kariisa was the woman MP at the time of her death on September 8.

Eng Kariisa works in the Ministry of Defence.

He has, however, been accused of bribing, intimidating and beating up voters to back Ms Koyekyenga.

At Bisya Primary School, Mr Museveni said he was aware of the malpractices adding that the perpetrators would be brought to book.

Mr Museveni, who had previously met the aggrieved camp leaders, did not reveal what job Ms Byamukama was going to take up exactly.

“There is chaos in my family in Buhweju. That’s what has brought me. I know you are disgruntled and you are right,” he said.

He added: “I want to give Byamukama a job concerned with Buhweju and she works for you. You all support our flag bearer.”

Mr Museveni also summoned Eng Kariisa to apologise to the people for the violence he has allegedly meted on some voters. “I want Kariisa to come here and ask for forgiveness,” Mr Museveni said amidst ululation.

FDC leaders who were campaigning for Ms Jane Bwiruka in the neighboring Karungu Sub-county, said NRM will not solve Buhweju’s problems and it’s high time they stopped voting its members into leadership.

Maj Gen Mugisha Muntu, the FDC party president while at Rwankondo trading centre, said: “Roads are a nightmare, schools are poor and there is a water problem. Buhweju is one of the most marginalised parts of this country yet they have been voting highly for this government. It is only your vote that can transform service delivery.”

Ms Ingrid Turinawe, FDC women league chairperson said Buhweju is marginalised because of selfish leaders.

“Ms Byamukama was in the race for her personal interests. We are in the race for the interests of the people of Buhweju,” Ms Turinawe said.

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