By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
KISORO
Security has been tightened in Kisoro District ahead of President Museveni’s visit, where he is set to address a rally in support of Hon. Rose Kabagyenyi, the NRM flag bearer in the upcoming by-election for the Kisoro District Woman Member of Parliament seat.
Museveni’s address is expected to touch on issues, including rising tribal and religious sectarianism within the NRM camp that has divided local leaders over candidate support.
NRM supporters in Kisoro are split between Kabagyenyi and Grace Akifeza Ngabirano, who chose to run as an independent candidate after losing to Kabagyenyi in the NRM primaries. Prominent figures in the party, including Dr. Philemon Mateke, NRM’s Chairman in Kisoro, have publicly opposed Kabagyenyi, accusing her of vote rigging, and endorsed Ngabirano.
At rallies in places like Murora and Chahafi town councils, Dr. Mateke, father of the late Woman MP Sarah Mateke Nyirabashitsi, expressed his support for Akifeza, whom he described as the best successor to his late daughter.
“There is widespread vote rigging. If we want to strengthen our party, we must be transparent and truthful. In this case, it was unfair to impose a candidate on the people,” Mateke stated.
President Museveni is expected to mediate between the two camps and address community grievances about unfulfilled NRM promises to the Bafumbira community in Kisoro.
