19 pick papers for presidency

THE number of presidential aspirants has shot to 19, Electoral Commission chief Aziz Kasujja said yesterday. He said there was no restriction on the number of candidates, reports Felix Osike. Another member of Parliament, Patrick Nabutaala (Bubulo East), has also picked forms, bringing to four the number of MPs who intend to vie for the presidency. Other MPs are Omara Atubo (Otuke), Waswa Lule (Rubaga North), and Aggrey Awori (Samia - Bugwe North). Others who have picked nomination papers include National Democratic Forum's Chapaa Karuhanga, Francis Bwengye of the Democratic Party break-away faction, President Yoweri Museveni, Col. (Rtd) Kiiza Besigye, Al Hajji Nasser Sebaggala, David Kibirige Mayanja of the Justice Forum, and Charles Ssenkubuge, a Kampala actor. Others are Charles Amumpeire Nahabwa, George Ntama Bamwine, Simon Peter Kabala-Kasirye, Kiiza Muwonge, Euku Simon Ross, Abeid Harshim Mwenyi from Mbale, Obo Olowo and Ayinebyona a.k.a Vicks Kingo. Nominations will take place on January 8 and 9. The elections are slated for next March. Kasujja said despite the high number of aspirants, the Commission would not request for more funds. Ends.