Five eye Bukomansimbi parliamentary seat
Ms Veronica Nannyondo speaks to supporters on Tuesday at the home of her late sister, Susan Namaganda, the former Bukomansimbi Woman Member of Parliament. Photo by Gertrude Mutyaba
Bukomansimbi- Five people have expressed interest to contest for the Bukomansimbi District Woman parliamentary seat, following the death of the incumbent MP Susan Namaganda, early this month.
Those eyeing the seat include Ms Veronica Nanyondo, the sister of late Namaganda. She is standing on the Democratic Party ticket. Others are Ms Halima Nakawungu (NRM), Ms Salaama Nakandi (FDC), Ms Janet Kayondo and Immaculate Nabawanuka (Independent).
According to Bukomansimbi District registrar, Ms Rashidah Najjuka, the Electoral Commission is yet to set a date for nominations.
Mr Mbidde, the DP vice president and husband of late Namaganda, told party members in Bukomansimbi District on Tuesday that it was the party’s decision to front Ms Nanyondo to fulfill her sister’s development programmes in the district.
“After the death of the late Namaganda, party leaders asked whether there was a sister to replace her and fortunately, Ms Nanyondo was available and we are sure she will fit in her shoes” Mr Mbidde said.
However, Ms Nabawanuka, who is DP-leaning, said bringing Ms Nanyondo was a decision by a few top party members before making wider consultations, especially among party members in the district.
According to Ms Nabawanuka, she has joined the race to help empower women through the creation of Saccos and seeking markets for their agricultural produce.
Ms Nakawungu declined to speak about her plan for the district, saying she was still meeting her campaign agents in the area.
But Ms Kayondo said once she gets to parliament, she will address issues of lack of electricity and clean water because these are the biggest problems in the district.
Ms Namaganda, who was serving her first term in parliament, died on December 11 in a road accident on Masaka–Kampala highway that left three others seriously injured.
The deceased was travelling from Bukomansimbi to Kampala to attend a parliamentary session. She was then rushed to Double Cure Clinic in Mpigi Town for first aid but later died at Nakasero Hospital in Kampala.
She was laid to rest in Bugana-Kawoko, Butenga Sub-county in Bukomansimbi District.
