Nine contest for Mbarara city’s two division mayoral seats
The contest in Mbarara City North Division is expected to be closely fought, with the incumbent mayor, Gumisiriza Kyabwisho, running as an Independent, facing long-time political rival Mugume Benon of the National Resistance Movement. The two have had a strained political relationship for over a decade.
(COMBO): Nine candidates are contesting for mayoral positions in Mbarara city’s two divisions, Mbarara City North and Mbarara City South. (Courtesy)
__________________
Nine candidates are contesting for mayoral positions in Mbarara city’s two divisions, Mbarara City North and Mbarara City South, ahead of elections scheduled for Tuesday (January 27).
The elections will determine the division and municipality mayors for the two administrative units within the city.
Voilet Atuhurra, the Mbarara City Electoral Commission registrar, confirmed the list of candidates, noting that five aspirants are vying for the Mbarara City South Division mayoral seat, while four are contesting in Mbarara City North Division.
In Mbarara City South Division, the candidates include the incumbent mayor and NRM flag bearer, Jomo Mugabe. He is competing against Asiimwe Francis Ntengye, an Independent candidate, Segawa Quraish of the National Unity Platform, Maryfrances Ssemambo Kabatereine of the Alliance for National Transformation, and Byamukama Regan of the Forum for Democratic Change.
The contest in Mbarara City North Division is expected to be closely fought, with the incumbent mayor, Gumisiriza Kyabwisho, running as an Independent, facing long-time political rival Mugume Benon of the National Resistance Movement. The two have had a strained political relationship for over a decade.
Mugume has previously lost twice to Kyabwisho, first in 2016 when both contested for the LC3 chairperson position of the former Kakiika subcounty, and again in the 2021 elections for Mbarara City North Division after the subcounty was elevated to city status.
Since then, Mugume has continued efforts to unseat Kyabwisho.
Other candidates contesting in Mbarara City North Division include Mukasa Kamwebaze, an Independent, and Nsubuga Nasser of the People’s Freedom Front.
Atuhurra said the Electoral Commission is fully prepared to conduct the elections, having received all voting materials. She added that the candidates were present to witness and confirm the arrival of the materials.
Jacqueline Kakunda, the deputy resident city commissioner in charge of Mbarara City North Division, called for peaceful elections, noting that security personnel are on alert to ensure the voting process proceeds smoothly.
She warned that candidates and supporters who attempt to engage in violence during the exercise will be arrested.