Staff Reporter
Political analysts and opposition leaders in Kisoro District have raised concerns over the emerging trend of relatives replacing deceased Members of Parliament. This follows the recent endorsement of Ruth Nyiraneza, the sister of the late Sarah Mateke Nyirabashitsi, as her successor in Kisoro.
The Kisoro District council and local leaders recently endorsed Nyiraneza to succeed the late Sarah Mateke Nyirabashitsi, who served as the Woman MP for Kisoro District and State Minister of Defense in charge of Veteran Affairs. During the funeral of Nyirabashitsi, John Kamara Nizeyimana, Chairperson of the Kisoro Leaders Forum and MP for Bufumbira North, introduced Ruth Nyiraneza to Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, Vice Chairperson of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) for the Western Region, and Vice President Rtd Maj. Jessica Alupo, who was the chief mourner representing President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. Nyiraneza was presented as the preferred candidate by the Bafumbira community to succeed her sister.
However, this endorsement has faced opposition. Sibomana Laban, Chairperson of the Kisoro District National Unity Platform (NUP), distanced himself from the decision, arguing that it was made solely by NRM members and did not reflect the will of the entire electorate. He emphasized that voters should be free to choose their leaders without family connections influencing the process.
Musanase Juliet, acting Chairperson of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) in Kisoro District, and Mushakamba Vincent, Chairperson of the FDC Katonga faction in the district, also opposed Nyiraneza’s endorsement. They stressed that the electorate should be allowed to exercise their democratic rights without undue influence.
Political analyst Mugisha Andrew urged district leaders to take more time before making such decisions, pointing out that merely succeeding a deceased leader does not guarantee the successor’s competence. He called for proper mourning of the late Nyirabashitsi and careful consideration of the next steps.
On the other hand, Bukimbiri County MP Eddy Kwizera Wangahungu supported the practice of relatives replacing deceased MPs, suggesting it could cultivate a positive political culture.
Minister for ICT and National Guidance, Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, assured the public that the selection of the next woman MP for Kisoro would strictly adhere to constitutional guidelines.
