The ongoing Electoral Commission nominations of candidates contesting for Members of Parliament in different areas has bounded together Mitooma district long time political rivals Wilberforce Muhangi Byaboneka and LCV aspirant Benon Karyaija.
The duo reknown for not rubbing shoulders since the establishment of the district in 2010 were among many others in the witness of the candidates from the NRM party who were being nominated on Thursday at Mitooma district.
Julius Kagina, the NRM administrator at the district hailed the duo for witnessing the nomination exercise of their party candidates.
“I Wish to thank the NRM district cman Mr muhangi Wilberforce and the district cman NRM flag bearer Mr Benon Karyaija for being present as the MP flag bearers were being norminated.” He said.
The rivalry based on political grounds is allegedly to have been fueled by strong officials from the district who are opposed to Karyaija administration especially when he still served as the district LCV chairman before he was censured by councillors in 2017.
For many times voters have accused Byaboneka and Minister Otafiire of masterminding Karyaija’s censure. These have exchanged bitter mouths on social media and in physical appearances.
However, this presence is according to many Mitooma residents a bondage to sociopolitical and economic recovery in the district.
Maj Gen. Kahinda Otafiire, the minister for East African affairs was the first to be nominated for Ruhinda constituency, followed by Hon Juliet Agasha Bashisha, district Woman MP, Hon Cap Dononzio Mugabe Kahonda Ruhinda south and Hon Tom Tayebwa Ruhinda North.
The exercise still ongoing with candidates from other parties like NUP, FDC and independent candidates expected to be nominated.