Kabakumba faces uphill task in Bujenje
Jun 04, 2010
BUJENJE constituency in Masindi district is one of the areas where the NRM enjoys overwhelming support, though the party members are deeply divided. One camp is loyal to information minister and Bujenje MP, Kabakumba Masiko. The other group is loyal to the self-exiled district LC5 boss, Stephen Biri
Frederick Kiwanuka
BUJENJE constituency in Masindi district is one of the areas where the NRM enjoys overwhelming support, though the party members are deeply divided. One camp is loyal to information minister and Bujenje MP, Kabakumba Masiko. The other group is loyal to the self-exiled district LC5 boss, Stephen Birije.
Kabakumba has always supported Birije’s rival, Isingoma Mugimba. Birije, who fled the country a year ago, citing threats to his life, still exercises a lot of influence through the district executive, which is loyal to him.
In Birije’s camp is the district Woman MP, Jalia Bintu, who hails from Masindi municipality and the Bunyoro Prime Minister, Yabez Kiiza, whom Kabakumba defeated in the parliamentary race in 2001.
Also in Birija’s camp are the Omukama’s chief for Bujenje county, Mzeei Zakayo Byamanyi and Fox Kahebwa, the NRM chairman for Bujenje. These are likely to rally behind Kabakumba’s opponent, Patrick Kasumba, a soldier and a lawyer, who is eyeing the NRM ticket. Kasumba campaigned for Kabakumba in 2006.
In Kabakumba’s camp are most of the LC3 chairmen, who accuse Birijre of having denied sub-counties money when he was still in office. Kabakumba hopes to ride on their influence to boost her grassroots mobilisation.
The information minister is also on good terms with Buruuli MP Amooti Kaahwa, the reason why the minister’s camp is not fronting any candidate against Kaahwa in Buruuli county.
Kabakumba has massive support in Budongo sub-county, with a huge population of immigrants. Her being a Munyoro princess has not alienated immigrants. Kabakumba first went to Parliament as Masindi Woman MP, before going to Bujenje, where she ousted Yabezi Kiiza. Kiiza had been her supporter while she campaigned in Masindi.
Kasumba has started football and netball tournaments for the youth, constructed schools, repaired churches and sunk boreholes.
Kasumba’s candidature will, however, depend on whether the army will release him as he cannot stand while still a serving officer in the UPDF.
Planning to come as an Independent is Geffin Kamulindwa, who lost to Kabakumba, in 2001 and later in 2006.
Kabakumba is, however, confident she will make it back to Parliament. “I know there will be fire, but I will handle it,†she says.
Being the incumbent, the minister has an edge over her rivals in terms of cash and influence. She owns an FM radio, the Masindi-based Kings Radio.
BUJENJE constituency in Masindi district is one of the areas where the NRM enjoys overwhelming support, though the party members are deeply divided. One camp is loyal to information minister and Bujenje MP, Kabakumba Masiko. The other group is loyal to the self-exiled district LC5 boss, Stephen Birije.
Kabakumba has always supported Birije’s rival, Isingoma Mugimba. Birije, who fled the country a year ago, citing threats to his life, still exercises a lot of influence through the district executive, which is loyal to him.
In Birije’s camp is the district Woman MP, Jalia Bintu, who hails from Masindi municipality and the Bunyoro Prime Minister, Yabez Kiiza, whom Kabakumba defeated in the parliamentary race in 2001.
Also in Birija’s camp are the Omukama’s chief for Bujenje county, Mzeei Zakayo Byamanyi and Fox Kahebwa, the NRM chairman for Bujenje. These are likely to rally behind Kabakumba’s opponent, Patrick Kasumba, a soldier and a lawyer, who is eyeing the NRM ticket. Kasumba campaigned for Kabakumba in 2006.
In Kabakumba’s camp are most of the LC3 chairmen, who accuse Birijre of having denied sub-counties money when he was still in office. Kabakumba hopes to ride on their influence to boost her grassroots mobilisation.
The information minister is also on good terms with Buruuli MP Amooti Kaahwa, the reason why the minister’s camp is not fronting any candidate against Kaahwa in Buruuli county.
Kabakumba has massive support in Budongo sub-county, with a huge population of immigrants. Her being a Munyoro princess has not alienated immigrants. Kabakumba first went to Parliament as Masindi Woman MP, before going to Bujenje, where she ousted Yabezi Kiiza. Kiiza had been her supporter while she campaigned in Masindi.
Kasumba has started football and netball tournaments for the youth, constructed schools, repaired churches and sunk boreholes.
Kasumba’s candidature will, however, depend on whether the army will release him as he cannot stand while still a serving officer in the UPDF.
Planning to come as an Independent is Geffin Kamulindwa, who lost to Kabakumba, in 2001 and later in 2006.
Kabakumba is, however, confident she will make it back to Parliament. “I know there will be fire, but I will handle it,†she says.
Being the incumbent, the minister has an edge over her rivals in terms of cash and influence. She owns an FM radio, the Masindi-based Kings Radio.