FDC's Salaamu Musumba wins Kamuli seat

By Donald Kiirya

KAMULI -  FDC eastern Vice President, Salaamu Musumba, has beaten her closest challenger, NRM’s Thomas Kategere and six others to the Kamuli LC5 seat.

Musumba was declared winner of the by-election early Friday morning by the Kamuli returning officer, Samuel Kiyingi in presence of Electoral Commission chairman, Eng Badru Kigundu.

The opposition politician trounced her rivals with a convincing 49, 356 votes overall which translated into a 67.6% share of the entire vote.

Kategere returned 21, 239 votes (29.1%).

The other six who were independent polled as follows: Ibrahim Mbadhi 1,077 (1.5%) Kaloli Dhizaala 437 (0.6%), Charles Isanga 210 (0.3%), Fred Kamaniro 87 (0.1%), Michael Kifubangabo 346 (0.5%).

It seemed clear from the beginning of the vote counting that the FDC flagbearer would go on to win the vacant position, as most of the early votes coming from the polling stations had placed her on top.

All votes from the 331 polling stations were received, said Kiyingi, who commended the security officials for a job well-done during the entire election process.true

Though, 12 people linked to inciting violence during the election were arrested late Thursday.

Electoral Commission boss Kigundu urged those who had contested for the seat to work together with Musumba because they "also have good ideas".

New FDC President Maj. Gen Mugisha Muntu, Jinja Municipality East MP Paul Mwiru and Dan Wandera Ogalo were seen monitoring polling stations.

Musumba pledged to serve the people of Busoga.

The seat fell vacant in 2011 when court nullified the election of Kawugu Kawooya over lack of academic qualifications.

In Kween, FDC trailed in a by-election that saw NRM flagbearer Paul Kapchemeiko Machinjach clinch the coveted seat.