Boda boda wrestles NRM, DP for Iganga mayorship

Dec 17, 2010

THE mayoral race in the newly-created Iganga Municipality is set to be very hot as NRM and DP brace to face a number of independents.

By Fred Soma

THE mayoral race in the newly-created Iganga Municipality is set to be very hot as NRM and DP brace to face a number of independents.

The acting mayor, Hajji Siragi Katono (NRM) is facing Alex Kiwanuka (DP) and independent candidates, Saleh Munubi, Paul Waiswa and Isiko Kyebatenda.

Kitimbo Patrick (FDC) dropped from race in favour of Kiwanuka.

Munubi, a boda boda rider and head of a boda boda assosciation in the town, says voters should not despise him because of his occupation but instead consider the leadership potential in him. He says he has mobilized boda boda operators to work together to achieve their economic and social goals.

He blames poor roads, poor planning and poverty on the current leadership.

The incumbent, Katono, boasts of steering the town to municipality status, bringing piped water, cleaning the town and acquisition of trucks for garbage collection.

However, Kiwanuka accuses the municipal leadership of rampant land grabbing, poor drainage systems, improper allocation of contracts, poor roads and failure to curb crime. Kiwanuka lost to Katono in 2006. He, however, says he has a bigger chance of winning this time. He also hopes to win over frustrated NRM supporters.

Waiswa is the youngest candidate. Although he has never held any political office, he says he has what it takes to work for the people of Iganga.

He says he severed as assistant mobiliser for the NRM vice-chairman for eastern region, Mike Mukula, political assistant for Kigulu South MP, Milton Muwuma as well as a political mobiliser for the district chairman, Asuman Kyafu.

On his part, Kyebatenda wants to improve on the roads and provide street lights.



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