Isingiro district NRM leaders summoned by party electoral body
National Resistance Movement (NRM) leaders from Isingiro district have been summoned together with rival NRM candidates for Isingiro South; the incumbent Member of Parliament, Alex Byarugaba Bakunda and his arch-challenger Mujuni Maari Asensio before NRM Electoral Commission Chairperson Dr. Tanga Odoi in Kampala on Wednesday. The aim is to find a lasting solution to ongoing political tensions in the district.
This followed a meeting chaired by Col. James Mwesigye and attended by Isingiro RDC Adah Nasiima, Minister of State for Animal Industry Rtd. Col. Bright Rwamirama and NRM District Chairperson Rtd. Lt. Moses Mushabe. The meeting was convened in response to recent political violence that resulted in property damage and the death of Lauben Ngurusi, a resident of Kihande Cell, Ruyanga Sub-county.
The closed-door session, from which journalists were barred also resolved that individuals captured in viral videos destroying property should be arrested and prosecuted.
Speaking to our reporter after the meeting, Mushabe condemned the violence warning that the district NRM leadership would not tolerate further chaos. Mushabe further announced that joint campaigns in Isingiro South remain suspended. He also revealed that previous mediation efforts between the two factions had failed to produce progress.
MP Bakunda accused his opponent, Mujuni Maari Asensio of instigating the violence. In response, Asensio called for calm and denied involvement of his supporters in any acts of violence.
Bakunda, who is also seeking re-election, expressed that the violence has affected him personally. Meanwhile, Rtd. Col. Rwamirama indicated that reconciliation efforts between the candidates are ongoing.
