Mwandha Faces 7

SEVEN candidates, including a woman, were on Monday nominated in a tight contest against James Mwandha, the incumbent MP for Persons with Disabilities representing eastern Uganda, write A. G. Musamali and Nicholas Kajoba. The elections take place today at Mwebaza Inn, Seeta, after a three-day convention organised by the National Union of People with Disabilities of Uganda and the Electoral Commission. In the north, Margaret Baba Diri is defending her seat against three men, leaving state minister for disabilities Florence Naiga Ssekabira to face Hajjat Safia Nalule in the race for the woman's seat. Incumbent MP Hood Katuramu is facing Simon Ninsiima Rutembeka for the western seat. Ninsiima returned from Europe recently where he worked for international bodies. His Dutch wife, Juliet, yesterday pushed him around on a wheelchair to meet the delegates. She also distributed his 18-page manifesto. Central region has incumbent Alex Ndeezi facing Busulwa Kayongo and Isaac Kasule. In the race for the east woman seat are Hellen Asamo, Elieza Mwondha, the Rev. Ssezi Balayo, Rev. Fredrick Hamala, David Mulya, Paul Oketch and F. Chelimo. Ends