Kabale candidates trade accusations

NINETEEN candidates vying for six parliamentary seats in Kabale district on Sunday traded accusations of violence and electoral malpractices against one another, writes Vision Reporters. Manzi Tumubweine, the privatisation minister who is seeking re-election in Rukiga county, accused his opponent Jack Sabiiti of abetting violence in the hilly constituency. He called for calm. But Sabiiti, an under secretary in the justice ministry, blamed Tumubweine for 'misusing' the Mobile Police Patrol Unit and other security organs. In Kabale Municipality, Serapio Rukundo urged his supporters to be vigilant and guard against electoral malpractices. "There are plans to steal our votes, so wake up early and guard the ballot boxes," he said. His main rival, Melvin Mpambara, accused him of disrupting his rallies. "Rukundo drove by my rallies at Mwanjare and disrupted them. It is illegal. They threw stones at my vehicles," he said. Another municipality candidate, Bahati Kabahena, accused minister for the presidency and outgoing MP Dr. Ruha-kana Rugunda of 'lying' to Presi-dent Museveni about Kabale. "He lies to the President that Mpambara is the only Movement cadre here. Rugunda has used religion as a tool to divide Kabale. The last 15 years have been wasted in Kabale," he said. In Ndorwa East, Avitus Tibarimbasa told his supporters he is 'well placed' and would use the 'influence' to develop his constituency. Other candidates in Kabale are Michael Bwesigye and Dr. Thomas Barebwoha (Kabale Municipality), Dr. Alex Kampikaho (Rukiga), Steven Bamwanga, Edward Mwesigwa (Ndorwa West), Dr. Francis Turomwe, Byamukama, Johnson Busesire (Ndorwa East), Dr. Ezra Suruma, Henry Banyenzaki, Eng. Denis Sabiiti (Rubanda West), Dr. Abel Rwendeire, Godfrey Pereza and John Barisigarra (Rubanda East). Ends