Five bow out of race to replace Sarah Mateke
Five out of the13 National Resistance Movement (NRM) candidates contesting to replace the late Sarah Nyirabashitsi Mateke, the fallen Kisoro District Woman Member of Parliament have withdrawn from the race. Their withdrawal follows a meeting held with President Yoweri Museveni at State House Entebbe on Sunday October 13. The meeting aimed at harmonizing the candidacy though no consensus was reached prompting Museveni to suggest another meeting for party stakeholders on Monday October 13.
Kazo FM has learnt that President Yoweri Museveni urged primary aspirants to withdraw in favor of Ms. Grace Akifeza an idea that some of the candidates, including Fancy Nirere, opted to continue their campaigns for the party flag. Five candidates; Sylvia Dushime, Louise Niyikiza, Allen Nkurikiye, Aphia Nyiramahoro, and Eva Twizera stepped down after a meeting where it was suggested they would receive Shs30 million for doing so. However, Fredrick Tanga Odoi, the NRM Electoral Commission Chairman, denied offering any compensation.
Five candidates withdrawing from the race, leaves Hellen Mbonye, Winfred Igiraneza, Jemimah Irankunda, Rose Kabagyeni, Blessed Kitentera, and Irene Mahirwe as challengers.
Dushime explained that her withdrawal was based on the President’s advice and a personal decision to support the party. Remaining candidates expressed that while they were open to a single candidate representing the party, consensus proved difficult. Jemimah Irankunda highlighted her intent to show that the NRM is inclusive of all generations.
The Kisoro District Woman MP seat became vacant following the passing of Sarah Nyirabashitsi Mateke, the former State Minister for Defence and Veteran Affairs.
The NRM has set October 25, 2024 as the polling date for its flag bearer while the Independent Electoral Commission will hold the by-election on November 14, 2024.
