Mbarara
A group of concerned National Resistance Movement (NRM) members and residents of Mbarara City have formally petitioned the NRM Electoral Commission, challenging the nomination of Hon. Mbwatekamwa Gaffa Louis Rukamba for the position of City Mayor in the upcoming NRM party primaries.
The petition, signed by several party loyalists, alleges that Mbwatekamwa is neither a resident of Mbarara City nor a registered voter in the city’s Yellow Book. The petitioners argue that his lack of residency and property ownership within the city disqualifies him from representing the area under the NRM banner.
According to Mustafa Kihogo one of the petitioners, noted that records from the Mbarara Ministry of Lands zonal office indicate that Mbwatekamwa does not own any land or housing in the city. “It is troubling that someone without ties to our community could be allowed to contest for such a critical leadership position,” said Mustafa.
Mbwatekamwa, currently serving as the Member of Parliament for Igara West, recently declared his intention to run for Mbarara City Mayor, a move that has stirred political tension in the region. His campaign has already faced controversy, including allegations of doctored posters falsely linking him to the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP), which he has publicly denied and a video while worshiping bachwezi.
The Mbarara mayoral seat is hotly contested with five NRM candidates who include the incumbent Robert Kakyebezi Mugabe, Seth Murari, Dan Ruhemba, Mbwatekamwa Gaffa Louis.
In a recent statement, Mbwatekamwa acknowledged that he had not been nominated by the NRM Electoral Commission due to a lack of a land title, but vowed to continue his bid, potentially as an independent candidate.
The petitioners have called on the NRM Electoral Commission to urgently investigate the matter and reject Mbwatekamwa’s nomination, citing concerns over fairness and the integrity of the party’s internal democratic processes.
As the July 24th primaries approach, the race for Mbarara City Mayor is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched contests in the region.
