The Minister of State for Bunyoro Affairs, Hon. Mary Mugasa, has urged the people of Kikuube to unite behind the NRM candidate, Paddy Kisembo, and help the party retain the district seat in Thursday’s LC5 by-election.
She made the call today in Kiziranfumbi Sub-county while addressing the media after holding several meetings with different groups aimed at building consensus.
“I want to thank God that at this point in time, we are moving as a team. Everybody has been reconciled and has agreed to follow the party position,” Mugasa said.
She also urged non-voters in Kikuube to desist from fueling conflict for selfish interests.
“We thank Kikuube well-wishers from Hoima City, Kampala and other areas, but please let us be. We want to handle the issues of Kikuube ourselves without interference to avoid future blame games,” Hon. Mugasa said.
She added: “Kikuube is 95% NRM. We do not want our members to be misled into electing the opposition. Let us not embarrass ourselves. We set a good record by voting for President Museveni and other NRM flag bearers. Let us maintain that record.”
The NRM Director of Mobilisation, Dr. Rosemary Seninde, said the reconciled teams had understood the party position and pledged to support Paddy Kisembo until the end of the campaign.
Hon. Seninde said the party was not only targeting victory but was also aiming for a significant winning margin against the opposition candidate.
“Unlike most by-elections, which attract very low voter turnout, we are working to ensure that the Kikuube by-election records a high voter turnout,” Seninde said, while discouraging residents from supporting the opposition out of internal disgruntlement.
“We cannot afford to give the opposition an opportunity to penetrate Kikuube, an NRM stronghold. Voting for the opposition could create a major challenge for the NRM in the future, both in Kikuube and the Bunyoro sub-region,” Seninde warned, urging party supporters to guard against opposition influence.
Paddy Kisembo said it was becoming increasingly clear that victory was within reach.
“We have reconciled with our fellow members who were disgruntled, and they have committed to supporting me and canvassing votes on my behalf,” he said.
“It is a good development, and I anticipate an unprecedented victory.”
The NRM campaign team also includes Hon. Jane Alisemera Babiiha, Kikuube Woman MP Flora Natumanya, and members of the District Executive Committee.
