Tanga's mediation collapses as ex-Minister Kiyingi loses in Bugabula South NRM elections
Mr Mathew Basanya being carried by jubilant supporters after being elected chairman of Namisambya 1. PHOTO/ SAM CALEB OPIO
What you need to know:
- At the sub-county level, Ms Rebecca Kadaga, the First Deputy Prime Minister would identify a suitable female chairperson, with Mr Kiyingi as vice-chair, Mr Kategere as secretary, Mr Kibalya as publicity secretary, and Mr Basanya as finance secretary.
In a surprise turn of events, the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party elections in Namisambya Parish, Kitayunjwa sub-county, Kamuli District, took an unexpected twist after three failed attempts.
On May 14, NRM Electoral Commission chairman, Mr Tanga Odoi mediated between rival aspirants, harmonising their differences and allocating positions to avoid conflict.
The agreement saw Mr Mathew Basanya and the former Minister for Works Mr Asuman Kiyingi, aspire for chairmanship and publicity roles in Namisambya I Parish, respectively while Bugabula South MP Mr Maurice Kibalya and former Kamuli District Chairperson Thomas Kategere would go for chairman and secretary positions in Naminage Parish, respectively.
At the sub-county level, Ms Rebecca Kadaga, the First Deputy Prime Minister would identify a suitable female chairperson, with Mr Kiyingi as vice-chair, Mr Kategere as secretary, Mr Kibalya as publicity secretary, and Mr Basanya as finance secretary.
However, when the electoral college assembled at Namisambya Primary School, they objected to Mr Odoi's mediation, deeming it guidance rather than a directive.
They argued that the approach contravened NRM party ideals of grassroots participation and voters' rights to choose leaders.
"We appreciate the mediation efforts, but we will follow election principles and allow voters to decide and exercise their democratic rights," said Mr Aga Mutyabule, who later contested against Mr Basanya.
In the elections, Mr Basanya won with 235 votes, beating Mr Mutyabule's 36.
Mr Kiyingi, who was absent, lost to Mr Stephen Balikoowa, who garnered 225 votes against Mr Kiyingi's 38.
Mr Anthony Bagiire attributed Mr Kiyingi's loss to his absence, saying the electorate felt demeaned by his decision to shun the elections.
