University lecturer takes Kasese NRM flag

NRM PRIMARIES |

In Kasese, a former head of laity in South Rwenzori Diocese and University lecturer, Eliphaz Muhindi Bukombi, has been declared the NRM flag for the district chairmanship after trouncing two other contestants for the seat.

Muhindi, the founding director of the Kasese-based School of Nursing and Midwifery, was in the race with Geoffrey Chan Masereka, a lawyer-turned-politician, and Zepher Mubingwa, a former Kasese district Vice-Chairperson and Speaker.

Declaring Muhindi as the duly elected NRM flag bearer at Rwenzori International Hotell, a temporary tally centre on Friday night, Amon Mbusa, the Kasese district NRM party registrar, said Muhindi had obtained 116,214 ( 78.78%) of the total 147,150 votes cast.

Muhindi, an outgoing lecturer and head of department at Bishop Stuart University and at Bugema University, beat Geoffrey Masereka Chan and Zepher Mubingwa, who polled 27,653 (18.79%) and 3,282 (2.2%) respectively.

"I declare Muhindi Eliphaz Bukombi, who has obtained the largest number of votes, winner of Kasese electoral area," Mbusa announced amidst jubilations from Muhindi's supporters.

Muhindi will tussle with the incumbent, Geoffrey Sibendire Bigogo (FDC), come the 2021 elections. 

He first attempted to get the seat in 2016 but lost to Col Dula Mawa Muhindo (NRM) who also lost it to Bigogo. 

Woos rivals

Shortly after being declared winner, Muhindi lauded all his supporters and urged his fellow contestants to join him so that the NRM can win the general elections next year.

"It was not an easy task, so I appeal to my colleagues Masereka and Mubingwa and their supporters to join me so that we can defeat the opposition parties in the district," said Muhindi, who hails from the populous Busongora County North constituency.

Loser cry foul

Meanwhile, Geoffrey Chan Masereka has cried foul over the elections saying his voters were intimidated and some voters were ferried from other areas.

"My agents were intimidated and others chased away in some polling stations while in others, some figures were tampered with," Masereka told the media in Kasese town.

John Businge, the District Councilor representing Hima Town Council, alleged that voters, mostly women, had been ferried disguised as soldiers' wives from a nearby military unit.

"Secondly, security forces are supporting some candidates in a party election where they are not supposed to participate," Businge said.