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Elioda who, suffered defeat in Municipality has decided to go back to Sheema North
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By Mwijukuru wa Kibondo
Sheema
The political landscape in Sheema North Constituency has been shaken following the surprise announcement by Dr. Elioda Tumwesigye, a former minister and ex-MP, of his interest in reclaiming the parliamentary seat.
Dr. Tumwesigye, the former Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, previously represented Sheema North for three terms before shifting to contest in Sheema Municipality during the 2018 by-election. His return to Sheema North has sparked debate, raising concerns about his history of switching constituencies.
The seat is currently held by MP Naome Kibaju, and with Tumwesigye’s re-entry into the race, a contentious election is expected.
A history of political moves
Dr. Tumwesigye’s decision to contest in Sheema Municipality in 2018 saw him defeat FDC’s Virginia Plan Mugyenyi in a closely contested election. However, he later suffered a defeat in the 2021 general elections at the hands of Dicksons Kateshumbwa. Despite this setback, the former minister has not abandoned his political ambitions and is now seeking to reclaim Sheema North—a move that has sparked mixed reactions among voters and political observers. Some critics have labeled his decision opportunistic, questioning his commitment to the constituency and accusing him of pursuing personal political gains rather than the interests of the people.
Call for unity amidst criticism
While addressing residents of Rweicumu Cell in Masheruka Town Council at Rweicumu Church of Uganda, Dr. Tumwesigye emphasized his willingness to work with all parties to spur development in Sheema North.
In an unexpected move, he has petitioned President Yoweri Museveni, urging him to intervene and persuade MP Naome Kibaju to step down in his favor. This appeal has been met with skepticism, with many interpreting it as a desperate attempt to gain an advantage in the election.
“Dr. Elioda has been criticized for allegedly promoting religious divisionism in the district. His tactics have been seen as an attempt to exploit existing tensions for political gain,” said a voter who preferred anonymity.
However, Tumwesigye dismissed these allegations, stating:
"Those who accuse me of promoting religious divisionism are simply trying to tarnish my name."
Potential impact of Tumwesigye’s return
Dr. Tumwesigye’s attempt to reclaim Sheema North could have both positive and negative implications for the constituency’s development.
Divided Loyalties: His earlier departure from Sheema North and subsequent defeat in Sheema Municipality may create distrust among voters, questioning his commitment to the constituency.
Disruption of development projects: The current MP, Naome Kibaju, has ongoing development projects, including the "Saving Boxes" initiative, where each village received UGX 400,000 to boost community savings. Tumwesigye’s return could destabilize this progress and create uncertainty about project continuity.
Increased political tensions: A fierce contest between Tumwesigye and Kibaju could lead to heightened political tensions, potentially distracting leaders from development efforts.
Ongoing development in Sheema North
Despite the political wrangles, Sheema North continues to witness significant development projects, including:
Road Infrastructure Development:
Education Sector Growth:
Youth & Women Empowerment:
Water Supply Improvements:
Who are the key contenders for Sheema North in 2026?
As the 2026 elections approach, three key figures are emerging in the Sheema North parliamentary race:
With Tumwesigye’s return, the race for Sheema North MP is expected to be one of the most competitive in the region. Will voters embrace his comeback, or will they stick with the current leadership? The coming months will reveal the answer.
Torch Media Africa
