Parliamentary candidates warned against tribalism, malice

_________________

KIKUUBE - To ensure peaceful 2026 General Election campaigns, Parliamentary aspirants in Kikuube district have been warned against tribalism and malice.

The call sounded on Monday, October 27, 2025, by Kikuube Resident District Commissioner, Godwin Agaria Kasigwa, was during a harmonisation meeting organised by the Electoral Commission in Kikuube.

Agaria said that as the Kikuube district security committee, they are concerned that the candidates have started exchanging bitter words and attacking their fellow candidates.

He urged the candidates to hold peaceful campaigns by only focusing on presenting ideas and persuading voters to choose them over their rivals instead of using propaganda to get support.

He warned the candidates against sectarianism and tribalism, saying the move may result in violence.

"I know some politicians like using tribal sentiments for their selfish interest, but I want to tell them that this government eliminated the bad politics of tribalism, bribing voters and sectarianism," he said.

Exhibit transparency and integrity

He also challenged the Electoral Commission to exhibit a high level of transparency and integrity to ensure that they produce free and fair elections.

"I ask the returning officer to avoid being compromised to avoid incidents where they announce the loser; we need the winner to be declared without struggling," he said.

While chairing the meeting, Kikuube district returning officer Emmanuel Twine challenged the candidates to respect the electoral laws.

He warned the candidates against starting campaigns before November 10, 2025 and campaigning beyond January 13, 2026.

He noted, mobilising supporters to fight, voter bribery, using abusive language and malicious campaigning at night, and provocation, which are illegal and may result in the cancellation of someone's candidature.

Incumbent Kikuube District Woman MP and NRM flag-bearer, Florence Natumanya and Buhaguzi East MP Steven Asera Itaza, who is also NRM flag-bearer, commended the Electoral Commission for the engagement, adding that such meetings are important because they help candidates to avoid confrontation.

Natumanya said EC needs to work together with candidates and security to ensure that they deliver a peaceful, free and fair election.

She also challenged the EC to prepare on time to ensure that the election material reaches polling stations on time to avoid the previous challenges of delivering materials late.

Kikuube district nominated 12 parliamentary candidates, where two are contesting as Woman MPs and six are vying for the Buhaguzi East seat, while four are vying for the Buhaguzi constituency.

Those for Buhaguzi constituency are Dan Mahairwe Mpamizi (Independent), Francis Kazini Twinomujuni (NRM), and Peter Ssenjubu (National Unity Platform).

Those contesting for Kikuube District Woman MP are Florence Natumanya of the NRM and Joan Kyomuhendo, an independent. For Buhaguzi East constituency, Steven Asera Itaza of the NRM, Nelson Junjura, an independent and his brother Julius Junjura Bigirwa (independent), Julius Ahura (independent) and NUP's Kato.