The Independent Electoral Commission Returning Officer for Kasese district, Mr. Ismail Atwijukire has declared National Resistance Movement (NRM) ticket holder, Mr. Thembo Gideon Mujungu as duly nominated to vie in the Busongora County South by-election. The nomination exercise which begun Monday yesterday has closed today evening.
Mr. Mujungu, who was in the company of NRM’s 1st National Vice Chairman, Rt. Hon. Al-hajji Moses Kigongo, director Legal Affairs, Counsel Kihika, director for communication, Hon. Emmanuel Dombo Lumala and NRM Chairman for Kasese district, Dr. Chrispus Kiyonga expressed gratitude to the ruling party for entrusting him to deliver victory.
As he addressed thousands of supporters that had strolled into Kigoro primary school grounds in Rukoki Sub County to attend his first nomination rally, Mujungu promised that his leadership will focus on advocating for the transformation of people’s lives through funding several economic activities to enhance productivity and eradicate poverty.
"I request for support to ensure that unfinished business for the people of Busongora South is accomplished," Mujungu said as he cited settling land wrangles among other pertinent issues that are yet to be sorted by government.
The NRM candidate boasted for carrying the ruling party flag, saying, "I am privileged to be associated with the NRM fraternity." "It is my home and I am highly indebted to you to deliver victory on the polling day," Mujungu said, adding that, “for the one year period he occupied parliament, many residents can testify his people-centered- working style."
He beseeched voters to trust a party that has credible track record of service delivery, peace and respect for rights of all citizens irrespective of tribe or religion.
Al-Hajj Kigongo roots for NRM support
Al-hajji Kigongo while addressing Mujungu’s supporters, said the ruling party led by President Yoweri Museveni is the only option to people’s problems as he dismissed rivals, especially independent candidates, who he described as untrustworthy and ungrateful to the party in government that all along has mentored them.
The NRM ideologue said government was formed last year during general elections and so any legislator elected go to parliament should implement the NRM manifesto, hence, advising voters to choose a candidate that believes in the ideas of the government in power.
"The movement since its inception has fronted the priorities of ordinary people. It ushered in decent politics of respect and issue-based campaigns without the sectarian lines that characterized past regimes, "NRM’s second-in-command said.
He dared some independents in the race who claim to be NRM leaning to exit the party since their actions are contrary to the rules and regulations of the movement fraternity.
‘We are tired of some independent candidates who claim to be in the movement yet they keep defying our set rules,” Kigongo said, noting that, “if they are no longer with us, let them announce.”
In his submission, the State Minister in charge of National Guidance, Hon. Godfrey Kabyanga called for peace and calmness among voters, emphasizing that community peace is equally fundamental during campaigns and polling.
Official campaigns for all aspirants commence tomorrow Wednesday and shall close next week on Tuesday 16th.