Kakuru, Sabiiti lock horns again
Dec 10, 2010
AS Ugandans prepare for the beginning of parliamentary campaigns on December 16, tension is already mounting between supporters of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party and the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) in Rukiga county, Kabale district.
By Darious Magara
AS Ugandans prepare for the beginning of parliamentary campaigns on December 16, tension is already mounting between supporters of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party and the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) in Rukiga county, Kabale district.
Rukiga is likely to be the most contested seat in Kigezi region. The FDC treasurer, Jack Sabiiti and the area MP, Adison Kakuru, were rivals in by-elections early this year, which the latter won narrowly.
During the campaigns, Kakuru and other NRM officials had pledged that the Government would extend water and electricity and improve roads in Rukiga.
However, some of his electorate doubt his ability to deliver.
Sabiiti is an outspoken and an experienced legislator. His main challenge may be that NRM has been strong in the constituency. But in an interview recently, Sabiiti said FDC had gained enough support in Rukiga to guarantee him a win.
Kakuru insists he will defeat Sabiiti again. “We have defeated him before and shall do it again.â€
Sabiiti was defeated by the late Samuel Rwamafa Byanagwa (NRM) in 2006. When Byanagwa died, Sabiiti contested in the bye-lection and again lost.
Power brokers in the area include former MP and minister for privatisation Manzi Tumubweine and former MP for Ndorwa East Shem Bagaine, as well as agriculture state minister Hope Mwesigye.
Sabiiti and Manzi had been the major two rivals in the Rukga County. They both belonged to the NRM party and had an almost equal level of support in the constituency.
In the 1994 Constituency Assembly elections and the subsequent parliamentary elections in 1996, the rivalry between the two men threatened the peace in the area.
At most of the rallies, Police had to deploy heavily to contain the crowds and prevent violence. In both elections, Sabiiti emerged winner.
Manzi defeated Sabiiti in 2001.
AS Ugandans prepare for the beginning of parliamentary campaigns on December 16, tension is already mounting between supporters of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party and the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) in Rukiga county, Kabale district.
Rukiga is likely to be the most contested seat in Kigezi region. The FDC treasurer, Jack Sabiiti and the area MP, Adison Kakuru, were rivals in by-elections early this year, which the latter won narrowly.
During the campaigns, Kakuru and other NRM officials had pledged that the Government would extend water and electricity and improve roads in Rukiga.
However, some of his electorate doubt his ability to deliver.
Sabiiti is an outspoken and an experienced legislator. His main challenge may be that NRM has been strong in the constituency. But in an interview recently, Sabiiti said FDC had gained enough support in Rukiga to guarantee him a win.
Kakuru insists he will defeat Sabiiti again. “We have defeated him before and shall do it again.â€
Sabiiti was defeated by the late Samuel Rwamafa Byanagwa (NRM) in 2006. When Byanagwa died, Sabiiti contested in the bye-lection and again lost.
Power brokers in the area include former MP and minister for privatisation Manzi Tumubweine and former MP for Ndorwa East Shem Bagaine, as well as agriculture state minister Hope Mwesigye.
Sabiiti and Manzi had been the major two rivals in the Rukga County. They both belonged to the NRM party and had an almost equal level of support in the constituency.
In the 1994 Constituency Assembly elections and the subsequent parliamentary elections in 1996, the rivalry between the two men threatened the peace in the area.
At most of the rallies, Police had to deploy heavily to contain the crowds and prevent violence. In both elections, Sabiiti emerged winner.
Manzi defeated Sabiiti in 2001.