EDITOR
Susan Natukunda, former Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) flag bearer aspirant, has defected to the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) alongside some of her supporters after missing out on the UPC nomination for the Kisoro District Woman Member of Parliament by-election. The by-election is set to take place on November 14, 2024.
Natukunda’s decision to join PPP followed UPC’s selection of Meble Ingabire as the party’s official candidate. Natukunda expressed disappointment with UPC’s decision, asserting that if Brenda Atim Kinyera, UPC’s national vice-chairperson, had remained neutral during the primaries, she would have stood a better chance of securing the nomination.
In response to the claims, UPC’s Kisoro District chairperson, Amos Manirakiza, denied any bias in the selection process. He emphasized that all stakeholders reached a consensus in a transparent process and urged party members to refrain from divisive rhetoric.
Ismael Musitwa, acting secretary general of the PPP, welcomed Natukunda to the party and assured her of support in pursuing her political aspirations. Musitwa affirmed PPP’s commitment to fostering young political talent.
Meanwhile, PPP has endorsed Aisha Chimpaye as their candidate for the upcoming by-election. Following her nomination, Chimpaye expressed determination to address critical political and socio-economic challenges in Kisoro District.
Chimpaye joins a slate of six candidates officially nominated by the Independent Electoral Commission for the Kisoro District Woman MP by-election.
