STAFF REPORTER
Police in Kisoro District have ramped up security ahead of the by-election to replace the late Sarah Mateke, the former Woman Member of Parliament for Kisoro, who passed away in early September 2024.
Elly Maate, the Kigezi Region Police spokesperson, confirmed the heavy deployment of both overt and covert officers to ensure a safe and secure environment for the election. He called on all stakeholders, candidates, and voters to cooperate fully with the security forces and adhere to voting regulations.
“We urge everyone to follow the rules to ensure a smooth and successful electoral process,” Maate said.
Meanwhile, Dr. Tanga Odoi, the chairperson of the NRM Electoral Commission, reassured party supporters in Kisoro of peaceful primaries for the by-election. Speaking at the NRM offices in Kisoro Municipality, Odoi emphasized that security teams had identified potential hotspots and developed strategies to address any disturbances.
Odoi outlined the requirement for each candidate to have two agents at every polling station—one responsible for displaying the candidate’s poster and the other for overseeing the vote count. He also warned candidates against inciting violence, urging them to maintain peace as the country prepares for the upcoming general elections.
A mini-baraza will be held ahead of the voting to finalize voter verification, which is expected to conclude by 10:30 a.m. Voting will commence at 11:00 a.m. across all villages in Kisoro. In preparation, NRM electoral staff from all sub-counties have undergone training to improve the efficiency of the voting process.
The NRM candidates vying for the Woman MP seat in Kisoro District include Akifeza Grace Ngabirano, Mbonye Hellen, Igiraneza Winfred Faith, Irakunda Jemimah, Rose Kabagyeni, Kitentera Blessed, Irene Mahirwe, and Nirere Fancy Brenda.
The by-election follows the death of Sarah Mateke, who served as State Minister for Defence and Veteran Affairs and as the Woman MP for Kisoro District.
