Kibaale District Gets New Chairman

By Grace Matsiko and Amlan TumusiimeWARRING Kibaale factions have finally chosen a compromise candidate to take over from the recently sworn-in district chairman, Fred Ruremera.George Nyamwaka, a member of Kibaale district service commission was unanimously selected to lead the district that is torn apart by ethnic sentiments.This was during a meeting of leaders of Banyoro and the immigrants (Bafurukyi) at Kibaale Hotel on Friday.“The meeting agreed on Nyamwaka. He is our candidate now,” the state minister in charge of Pensions, Benigna Mukiibi, said on phone from Kibaale. Mukiibi was chosen by President Yoweri Museveni to help Ruremera’s faction and that of the former district chairman, Sebastian Ssekitoleko, to select a candidate agreeable to both parties.Ruremera won the elections with 56% but was immediately rejected by some Banyoro leaders who said he was an immigrant. Ruremera, who is a Mukiga, has lived in Kibaale for over 30 years. On intervention by the President, Ruremera agreed to step down to avoid the looming ethnic violence that had threatened to engulf the district.the Electoral Commission will declare the date for the nomination of the district chairman where Nyamwaka, a Munyoro is expected to be nominated unopposed. This is can only take place after Ruremera has formally resigned. Seven people from each party attended the talks. The Banyoro were led by Mzee Joseph Kazairwe while Rev. Godfrey Tibenda headed the settlers’ delegation. Buyaga MP Ignatius Besisira said all were happy with the outcome of the meeting.Ends