STAFF REPORTER
The joint campaign rallies for the eight National Resistance Movement (NRM) flag-bearer candidates, who defied President Museveni’s request to step down in favor of a single candidate in the Kisoro District Woman Member of Parliament by-election, will resume on Thursday.
The rallies were suspended last Thursday after President Museveni summoned the 13 candidates initially in the race to a consensus-building meeting in Kampala. Following the meeting, five candidates—Sylivia Dushime, Louise Niyikiza, Allen Nkurikiye, Aphia Nyiramahoro, and Eva Twizere—agreed to withdraw from the contest.
The remaining candidates are Akifeza Grace Ngabirano, Mbonye Hellen, Igiraneza Winfred Faith, Irakunda Jemimah, Rose Kabagyeni, Kitentera Blessed, Irene Mahirwe, and Nirere Fancy Brenda.
Before the Kampala meeting, the candidates had planned their fifth rally at Chahi Sub-county headquarters. Kisoro District NRM Election Officer Tadeo Mujyambere announced that the joint campaigns will now resume on Thursday at Nyabwishenya Sub-county headquarters and Kisharu Primary School playground.
Mujyambere warned candidates against bringing supporters from outside the district to the campaign events. He also stipulated that each candidate’s music system must be placed at least one kilometer away from the joint campaign venue, and no candidate may arrive at a rally with more than two vehicles.
Meanwhile, Gidi Sadara from the NRM election head office denied claims that the five candidates who withdrew were offered money. He emphasized that their withdrawal was voluntary and based on advice they received, as well as their intention to better prepare for the 2026 elections.
Sadara clarified that the meeting held on Sunday around 4 p.m. was not intended to promote a single candidate but to foster unity and harmony within the party. President Museveni praised all participants, guided them through the election process, and encouraged them to unite and select a sole candidate while upholding democratic principles.
The campaign will conclude next week on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, with final rallies in Chahi Sub-county and Kyanika Town Council.
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