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Candidates walking to petition the NRM Electoral Commission Mitooma district
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By Our Reporter
Sheema
Confusion has rocked the NRM Electoral Commission offices in Mitooma Town after a group of aspiring candidates stormed the offices today, July 4, 2025, demanding answers as to why incumbent leaders are allegedly defying the party’s joint campaign program.
The joint campaigns for Mitooma District officially kicked off on July 3, with Woman MP and LC5 chairperson aspirants scheduled to hold rallies in Mayanga and Rurehe sub-counties. However, some aspirants claim that key incumbents failed to attend the events, accusing them of deliberately undermining the process.
Led by Alex Karitundu Okanga, who is vying for the Mitooma District Chairperson seat, the group submitted a written petition to the district NRM registrar, insisting that the incumbents’ absence was in clear violation of the NRM Secretariat’s directive on joint campaigns.
“We are following the party guidelines, but the incumbents are acting as if the rules don’t apply to them,” said Karitundu. “If they continue like this, we shall abandon the joint arrangement and conduct our campaigns independently.”
The petition was signed by five aspirants, including Karitundu, Kyohairwe Faith, Nsimarunga Adella, Dr. Twinomujuni Rosbel, and Kyarampe Rebecca — all vying for the District Woman MP seat. They accuse the incumbents of using their current positions to dodge collective campaigning and gain undue advantage.
“It’s unfair. We were told to campaign together, but the current office bearers are ignoring the joint program,” said Kyohairwe Faith. “We demand equal treatment.”
The petition specifically singles out Mitooma District Chairperson Benon Karyeija and Woman MP Juliet Agasha Bashisha as the main culprits allegedly flouting the agreed schedule.
“These joint campaigns were meant to create a level playing field for everyone,” added Dr. Twinomujuni Rosbel. “What’s happening now shows bias and disrespect for the rules.”
In response, Mitooma District NRM Registrar Ephraim Kyabakama acknowledged receiving the complaint and promised to take swift action. “We have received the letter and we are working to ensure that all candidates comply with the guidelines,” Kyabakama said. “We shall engage each of them, and whoever defies the system will be held accountable. Party rules must be respected.”
The aggrieved candidates have vowed to boycott the joint campaign program if the matter is not resolved by the end of today.
Torch Media Africa
