By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
MITOOMA
The Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Rt Hon Thomas Tayebwa, has dismissed criticism over his shift of support in the Mitooma Woman Member of Parliament race, saying politics is not a “love affair” that binds one to a single choice forever.
“Political affairs are not like writing a romantic love letter,” Tayebwa said, adding that political support can change depending on circumstances.
Tayebwa, who is also the Ruhinda North County MP, was responding to public speculations following his earlier involvement in the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party primaries, where he openly backed the incumbent Mitooma Woman MP, Juliet Agasha Bashiisha, against Rebecca Kyarampe Namanya.
During the August 2025, NRM primaries, Tayebwa canvassed support for Bashiisha and urged voters in Ruhinda North not to vote for Kyarampe. However, his call was ignored and Kyarampe emerged victorious as the NRM flag bearer for the Mitooma Woman MP seat.
While campaigning in Rwoburunga and Kiyanga sub-counties in Ruhinda North on Monday, Tayebwa publicly reversed his earlier position and called on his supporters to vote for Kyarampe, noting that the party primaries were over and unity was now key.
“I came here and asked you not to vote for her (Kyarampe) and urged you to vote for my sister who I already have in Parliament, but some of you defied and voted for her,” Tayebwa said. “I had promised that if she doesn’t win, I would back the flag bearer. And here I am, requesting you to join efforts, mobilise support and vote for Kyarampe.”
Tayebwa said his earlier support for the incumbent was based on circumstances at the time, which had since changed, and stressed that he was now ready to work with Kyarampe and all NRM candidates to improve service delivery in the district.
His remarks come amid speculation in Mitooma District that the Deputy Speaker was secretly funding and campaigning for independent candidates, particularly Bashiisha, contrary to NRM party guidelines.
However, Tayebwa dismissed the claims, saying he had nothing to hide and was firmly behind the NRM flag bearers.
“I don’t need to move at night because I don’t fear anyone. I do my campaigns in broad daylight, not in darkness. When I support you, I do so openly; I don’t hide behind curtains,” he said, urging voters in Ruhinda North to support Kyarampe and other NRM candidates.
On her part, Kyarampe commended Tayebwa for what she described as bold and principled leadership, pledging to work closely with him and other leaders to serve the people of Mitooma.
She also unveiled plans to establish a “People’s Parliament” (Baraza–Ekitehuriizi), a platform she said would enable regular engagement with residents to identify challenges, propose solutions and strengthen lobbying for government and private sector support.
Kyarampe urged voters to shun divisive politics, noting that Mitooma belongs to all its residents, who are key stakeholders in the district’s development.
Three candidates are contesting for the Mitooma District Woman MP seat: Kyarampe (NRM), Bashiisha (Independent) and Faith Kyohairwe (Independent). The race is widely seen as a tight contest between Kyarampe and Bashiisha.
The Independent Electoral Commission has set January 15 as polling day for parliamentary and presidential elections.
