Five nominated in quest to replace Abiriga

A supporter carries the FDC Candidate, Mr Bruce Musema, on the shoulders after his nominations on Thursday. PHOTO BY FELIX WAROM OKELLO.

What you need to know:

  • The Electoral commission has already started carrying out civic education, and display of voter register.
  • Arua municipality is expected to go into polls on August 15, 2018, according to the national Electoral Commission roadmap.

ARUA. Five candidates have so far been nominated to replace the former Arua Municipality MP, Ibrahim Abiriga who was shot dead on June 8.

The Electoral Commission District Registrar, Ms Ruth Angom, declared Mr Wadri Kassiano (Ind), Mr Francis Elton Nyero (Ind), Mr Bruce Musema (FDC), Mr Jaffar Alekua (Ind) and Mr Alfred Nyakuni, as duly nominated candidates.

More candidates are expected to be nominated on Friday, marking the closure of the two-day exercise.

The massive number of supporters who accompanied their candidates paralysed business on the streets of Arua town.

The NRM flag bearer, Ms Nusura Tiperu who was elected on Wednesday is expected to be nominated tomorrow (Friday).

However, there has been sharp divisionism in both FDC and NRM parties over who becomes the flag bearer, which has caused many to run as independent candidates.

The independent candidate, Mr Wadri Kassiano with his supporters after the nominations on July 19,2018. PHOTO BY FELIX WAROM OKELLO.

Speaking to press after the nominations, Kassiano Wadri said: “The party constitution has been silent on issue of flag bearer to be five years. And I am contesting because of the infighting in the FDC party. Had it been clear through the primary elections, I would not have contested, but also the people of the municipality need someone who can push for their agenda so that we can have stable power. The women and youth groups need support.”

Two of the NRM members who failed in the primaries have already threatened to run on independent tickets. They are; Mr Jackson Atima and Mr Swadik Angupale.

The UPC party has allegedly unanimously made a decision to support the FDC candidate, Mr Bruce Musema.

The Electoral commission has already started carrying out civic education, and display of voter register.

Arua municipality is expected to go into polls on August 15, 2018, according to the national Electoral Commission roadmap.