NELSON K
The Rukungiri District Councillor representing workers and Secretary for Education and Tourism, Mrs. Cledonia Bakironda Musimenta, has officially declared her support for Hon. Mary Paula Turyahikayo, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, and other National Resistance Movement (NRM) flag bearers.
Speaking to journalists shortly after Hon. Mary Paula’s nomination as the NRM flag bearer for Rukungiri District Woman Member of Parliament, Mrs. Cledonia said she had willingly accepted the outcome of the party primaries, acknowledging that Hon. Mary Paula’s victory was well-deserved.
“According to my observation and reality, I accepted defeat in the primaries because the victory clearly belonged to Hon. Mary Paula, who garnered a bigger percentage and a larger number of votes,” she said.
Cledonia added that she chose to join the winning team without hesitation, emphasizing that her decision is guided by the desire to strengthen the NRM party and support President Museveni’s leadership. She praised Hon. Mary Paula for her outstanding record of service delivery, particularly during her tenure as Rubabo County Member of Parliament.
“I believe Hon. Mary Paula will continue to deliver services to our people if entrusted with the mandate as Rukungiri Woman MP,” she noted, calling on all NRM supporters, diehards, and well-wishers to unite behind the party flag bearers.
She also condemned members who lost in the primaries but chose to run as independents, saying such actions portray a bad image and undermine the unity of the NRM party.
In response, Hon. Mary Paula Turyahikayo warmly welcomed Mrs. Cledonia’s endorsement, appreciating her show of maturity and commitment to party cohesion.
“I thank Madam Cledonia for willingly joining hands with me and supporting President Museveni. Her decision reflects the true spirit of love and loyalty to our party,” Hon. Mary Paula said.
She criticized those who refused to reconcile after losing in the primaries and opted to contest as independents, accusing them of trying to divide the party.
“These actions don’t build NRM; they only weaken our unity. We must work together as one team for the success of our party and the development of our people,” she emphasized.
