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NUP president Robert Kyagulanyi campaigns for Salim Sultana his party's candidate
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By Our Reporter
Tomorrow, voters across 322 polling stations in Kisoro district will be casting ballots in a highly anticipated by-election to choose their new Woman Member of Parliament. The election was called after the former MP, Sarah Nyirabatshitsi Mateke, passed away in September.
Six candidates are vying for the position: Rose Kabagyeni of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), Salim Sultana (National Unity Platform), Aisha Cyimpaye (People's Progressive Party), Juliet Musanase (Forum for Democratic Change), Mable Ingabire (Uganda People's Congress), and Grace Akifeza Ngabirano, an independent candidate.
Daniel Nayebare, the Electoral Commission's returning officer for Kisoro district, reported that Kisoro has 165,311 registered voters. He noted that the two-week campaign period concluded peacefully and that polling materials arrived in the district early Tuesday morning. Voting is scheduled to commence at 7:00 a.m. and will end at 4:00 p.m.
"We are prepared to deliver a free, fair, and credible election," Nayebare stated, urging candidates' agents to be punctual, vigilant, and to remain at polling stations through the tallying process.
Security measures in place
The Police and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) have deployed heavily in Kisoro to ensure a peaceful election. Kigezi regional Police spokesperson Elly Maate emphasized the importance of cooperation between candidates, supporters, and security forces.
"We are committed to maintaining a violence-free election. We call on candidates and their supporters to avoid any form of conflict," Maate warned.
Sectarianism and identity politics
This election has drawn significant attention for its focus on identity and sectarian politics, as two of the leading candidates, Rose Kabagyeni and Grace Ngabirano Akifeza, belong to different religious backgrounds. President Yoweri Museveni, who visited Kisoro on Tuesday, cautioned against divisive practices that could revive past conflicts.
"I have received reports that some individuals are trying to divide voters along tribal and religious lines. This is dangerous and could lead to instability like we saw in the 1960s and 1980s. We fought to overcome these divisions, and we are now in a better place. Anyone promoting such practices is an enemy of Uganda," Museveni stated, referencing the Rwandan genocide and ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo as examples of sectarianism's devastating effects.
The President revealed he had engaged with local leaders, including Dr. Philemon Mateke, the NRM district chairperson, and bishops from the Muhabura and Kabale dioceses, to discuss unity.
Rose Kabagyeni of the National Resistance Movement (NRM)
Voters’ expectations
Many voters hope the new MP will prioritize infrastructure, healthcare, and education. Michael Ndagijimana from Nyabwishenya Sub-county stressed the need for road improvements, particularly those leading to tourist attractions like Bwindi and Mgahinga national parks.
"We are proud of our tourism sites, but our roads are deplorable. We need a leader who will advocate for infrastructure improvements," Ndagijimana said.
About candidates in the race
With expectations high, Kisoro voters are hoping to see positive change as they choose their next Woman MP.
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