The joint campaigns kicked off at the Busanza Secondary School playground in Mpaka Town Council, Busanza sub-county, despite a 45-minute disruption caused by the rain, which temporarily halted activities.
The National Resistance Movement (NRM) party has officially launched its joint campaign for the Kisoro by-election, targeting the vacant woman MP seat.
Despite disruptions caused by heavy rains, the campaigns commenced with enthusiasm, as 13 candidates compete for the party’s nomination.
The victor will represent the NRM in the upcoming general by-election.
The candidates vying for the NRM ticket include Akifeza Grace Ngabirano, Sylivia Dushime Agaba, Winfred Faith Igiraneze, Jemimah Irankunda, Rose Kabagyeni, and Blessed Kitentere.
Others are Irene Mahirwe, Hellen Mbonye, Fancy Bredah Nirere, and Louise Niyikiza.
They will face stiff competition from candidates representing the National Unity Platform (NUP) and the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) in the general election.
The joint campaigns kicked off at the Busanza Secondary School playground in Mpaka Town Council, Busanza sub-county, despite a 45-minute disruption caused by the rain, which temporarily halted activities.
During the campaign, candidate Nirere expressed her commitment to addressing critical issues such as maternal health, highlighting the alarming rate of maternal deaths in hospitals due to a lack of ultrasound facilities.
She emphasized the need for prioritising agriculture and improving network connectivity in Busanza sub-county.
“If elected as the woman member of parliament, I pledge to tackle poor network connectivity by advocating for the installation of telecommunication masts through engagement with the Uganda Communication Commission (UCC) and collaboration with telecom companies,” Nirere stated.
She also expressed disappointment over the destruction of her campaign posters, calling on security forces to take action against those responsible.
Dr. Blessed Kitentere, an intern pharmacist turned politician, highlighted her focus on improving tourism-related infrastructure in Kisoro, as well as advocating for the rights of intern doctors. She lamented the monetization of politics, which she believes undermines genuine political discourse.
“In my door-to-door engagements, the first question often concerns money rather than discussing policies or ideas. This trend needs to change,” Kitentere remarked.
As the campaigns progress, the next event will take place on Thursday, October 10, at Saza Ground in Kisoro Municipality, coinciding with the country’s Independence Day celebrations.
The Kisoro district woman MP seat became vacant following the passing of Sarah Mateke, who served as both the district’s woman MP and state minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs.
As the campaigns continue, political observers will be keenly watching how these candidates position themselves to win the hearts of voters in Kisoro.