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Deo Atuhaire, Buhweju District LC5 Chairperson
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By Bruno Mugizi
Bushenyi – The Buhweju District LC5 Chairperson and Uganda Local Government Association (ULGA) President for the Western Region, Deo Atuhaire, has distanced himself from the ongoing contest for the National Resistance Movement (NRM) flag bearer for the Bushenyi District LC5 seat, amid claims that he is secretly backing a candidate.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, Atuhaire expressed concern over what he described as attempts to blackmail or misrepresent him during the Bushenyi elections.
"I have been informed that some people want to blackmail my name in the Bushenyi elections," he said. "First of all, I am not a voter in Bushenyi District, though I own a residence, personal offices, and properties there. I am a registered voter at Rushambya Primary School in Burere Sub-county, Buhweju District, where I serve as district chairperson."
Deo Atuhaire, Buhweju District LC5 Chairperson
Atuhaire acknowledged having close ties with both key contenders—incumbent Jaffari Basajjabalaba and media personality Prosper Twebaze—but emphasized that his position as a regional leader demands neutrality and a commitment to interdistrict diplomacy. He described Basajjabalaba as a senior political mentor and longtime colleague.
"When I arrived in Bushenyi in 2007 after university, I was welcomed by people like Jaffari Basajjabalaba, Umar Muhanguzi, Kakonge Apollo, Kada Tumusiime, Joan Kenyangi, Peace Tibakuna, Pison Mugizi, Wytanga Katwire, Paul Kahigi, Manyire Edgar, and later joined by media activists like Abraham Muganzi and the late Hilary Musinguzi," he said. "I have worked with Jaffari in politics, civil society, and family affairs. Currently, we are colleagues, and I serve as his ULGA president."
Jaffari Basajjabalaba Bushenyi district LC5 chairperson
He also spoke highly of Prosper Twebaze, whom he described as a close family friend and supporter during previous campaigns. "Prosper is a neighbor and a younger brother. Our parents—especially my late father, Daniel Turyahikayo—had a strong bond with his late father, Karivero."
"Prosper is a hustler who rose through the ranks. His contribution to my campaign under the 'Amaziima Gonka' team is well known," Atuhaire noted.
Prosper, a popular media personality, recently resigned from his position as Programs Director and presenter at BFM Radio Bushenyi to vie for the district's top political seat.
He is widely known for hosting weekly political talk shows focusing on governance, accountability, and service delivery—topics that strongly resonate with ordinary citizens.
Meanwhile, Jaffari Basajjabalaba has served as Bushenyi District LC5 Chairperson since 2016, following the departure of Willis Bashasha, who left to contest for the Bushenyi-Ishaka Municipality MP seat. Basajjabalaba went on to defeat FDC's Paul Kahigi in that highly competitive election.
Despite his close ties with both candidates, Atuhaire stressed the importance of neutrality during the NRM primaries. "Even if my younger brother wins, he will at some point need to relate well with neighboring districts, and I will be ready to welcome and mentor him," he said.
He reaffirmed his commitment to interdistrict cooperation and peace, stating:
"I must by all means maintain my cordial relationship with the current leadership of Bushenyi District and promote interdistrict diplomacy as one of our obligations."
He urged all parties to conduct peaceful campaigns and to prioritize development and unity within the Greater Bushenyi region.
"I wish the two brothers a peaceful election, and I pray that the people of Buhweju bring me back so I can continue serving—possibly alongside one of them. Let us make Bushenyi better, not bitter, and keep the hopes of Greater Bushenyi alive."
Torch Media Africa
