RUKIGA, UGANDA – The recently concluded Rukiga District local council nominations have set the stage for a highly competitive election, with eight candidates elected unopposed, automatically securing their seats, while 51 others will contest the remaining positions.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!In an official statement released by Returning Officer Ms. Rebecca Mbabazi, a total of 59 candidates were nominated to contest for Chairpersonship and Councillorship seats in the upcoming general elections.
The document confirmed that eight NRM flag bearers have automatically secured their positions without going through the electoral process.
These include:
· Oscar Akampurira (Workers’ Male Councillor)
· Nasasira Stuart (Directly Elected Councillor, Bukinda Sub County)
· Tumwijukye Allen Kirasha (Women Councillor, Bukinda Sub County)
· Tukirirwe Claire (Women Councillor, Kamwezi A)
· Nahabwe Sharon (Women Councillor, Kamwezi B)
· Asiiimwe Beatrice (Female PWDs Councillor)
· Besigye Joseph (Male PWDs Councillor)
· Korukundo Agnes (Older Persons Female Councillor).
The race for District Chairperson (LC V) will feature a direct contest between two candidates: NRM flag bearer Hon. Mutebi Simon and independent candidate Hon. Kwarikunda Micheal Mbareba, the former Rukiga District FDC party Chairperson.
The most competitive races are for Directly Elected Councillors, particularly in Kamwezi where NRM’s Ampumuza Elly will face three independent candidates: Hon. Tewsigye Benon, Hon. Byamukama Kenneth Mihiigo, and Hon. Nvunabandi Garax.
The crowded Rwamucucu Sub County race features NRM’s Manigamukama Linus competing against four independents Hon. Aritwijuka Deogracious, Hon. Tumwakiire Mathew, Hon. Arigye Odmaro, and Hon. Ainebyoona Joab along with one NUP candidate, Hon. Turyasingura Emmanuel.
In Muhanga Town Council, NRM candidate Hon. Tukesiga Addah will compete against three independent candidates: Hon. Nahwera Julius, Hon. Turyahebwa Alban, and Hon. Mukuru Godfrey.
The nominations attracted the highest number of independent candidates (32), followed by 27 NRM party flag bearers and one National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate
.The breakdown of contested positions includes:
· District Chairperson (LCV): 2 candidates (1 NRM, 1 Independent)
· Directly Elected Councillors: 20 candidates (6 NRM, 1 NUP, 13 Independent)
· District Women Councillors: 13 candidates (7 NRM, 6 Independent)
· Workers’ Representatives: 8 candidates (3 NRM, 5 Independent)
· PWDs Representatives: 2 NRM candidates (both unopposed)
· Older Persons Representatives: 3 candidates (2 NRM, 1 Independent)
· Youth Representatives: 6 candidates (2 NRM, 4 Independent)