Nomination drama: Mabirizi bounces back, Kasibante cleared
Mabirizi was the first to arrive at about 12:30 pm with his team of 20 people. However, after a thorough perusal by Electoral Commission (EC) officials, his papers were rejected. The EC advised him to seek verification from the National Council of Higher Education (NCHE).
Nomination drama: Mabirizi bounces back, Kasibante cleared
By Hannington Mutabazi
Journalists @New Vision
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After incumbent President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni was nominated early Tuesday morning, two more candidates were scheduled for the day’s nomination exercise: Joseph Mabirizi of the Conservative Party (CP) and Robert Kasibante of the National Peasants Party (NPP).
Mabirizi was the first to arrive at about 12:30 pm with his team of 20 people. They settled in their designated tent as his seconder, Elisha Simba, stepped forward to submit his documents.
However, after a thorough perusal by Electoral Commission (EC) officials, his papers were rejected. The EC advised him to seek verification from the National Council of Higher Education (NCHE).
His seconder, Simba, engaged EC chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama, who instructed them to resolve the issue and return before 4:00 pm or try again the following day. Looking visibly frustrated, Mabirizi and his team left for NCHE to have the matter sorted.
Kasibante arrives
Shortly after, the next aspirant, Kasibante, arrived with his team and proceeded to their tent. His documents were scrutinised page by page and, unlike Mabirizi, they were found in order.
He was immediately cleared and duly nominated by Justice Byabakama. Afterwards, he was handed over to his official security team for the campaign period and given keys to his security vehicle before leaving the venue.
Mabirizi returns
Mabirizi, who had earlier been turned away, managed to return in time with his documents duly verified. His team, still visibly tense, resubmitted the paperwork, which was this time approved.
He was successfully cleared and nominated, much to the relief of his camp. Mabirizi, too, received his official security detail and vehicle before departing.
Attention now shifts to Wednesday, the second day of nominations, when Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) flagbearer Nathan Nandala Mafabi and National Unity Platform (NUP) president are expected to be nominated.
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More pictures from the nominations
