Jim Muhwezi, six others nominated in Rukungiri

POLITICS   2021 ELECTIONS

Former Rujumbura Member of Parliament, Jim Muhwezi Katugugu was among the first aspirants nominated for parliamentary seats in Rukungiri district on the first day

Muhwezi who was accompanied by his wife Canon Susan Muhwezi arrived at the nomination venue at 9:30 am and was duly nominated by the district returning officer, Abas Namara at 10:00 am.

"You're duly nominated as a candidate for Rujumbura parliamentary seat however due to the COVID-19 pandemic, you're not allowed to have a gathering but rather you will use other means of campaigns like radios, television and phone calls. As a returning officer I wish you well," said Namara.

Jim Muhwezi was nominated by Ambrose Kibuuka and seconded by Marisiyari Mujuruzi Kanyamukwara both business men in Rukungiri district.

"I thank the people of Rujumbura for the overwhelming support they gave me during NRM elections, winning with 80% was not simple and I can't take it for granted. I must make sure I fulfil the desires of the people who voted for me," he said.

He appealed to those who never voted for him to vote him this time around. 

"For the period I have taken outside Parliament, people realized what they had lost and that is the reason I have overwhelming support," he said.

Muhwezi in 2016 elections lost to the FDCs Fred Turyamuhweza who is the current Member of Parliament for Rujumbura.

Mary Paula Keburungi Turyahikayo was the first aspirant to be nominated at 9:26 am. She was flanked by her husband Geoffrey Turyahikayo.

She said she was ready to face whoever was contesting against her in Rubabo County. 

Betty Bamukwatsa Muzanira of FDC was the third to be nominated for the district woman parliamentary seat.

She was nominated by Beatrice Turyagunawe and seconded by Charles Benywanira, her nomination ended at 10:48 am.

Muzanira who trounced Winfred Masiko in 2018 by-elections said God will help her to excel again.

She said one of the things she will do in the 11th parliament is to table a bill about widows, widowers and single parents to have representation in parliament.

"In the 10th parliament we passed a bill to add elderly on special interest groups, now we are remaining with widows, widowers and single parents which I will personally push in the coming parliament," she said.

Others who were nominated included FDC's Dr Wallen Nywamanya Tumwine for Rukungiri Municipality, George owakukiroru Tumwesigye an independent for Rukungiri municipality and Sylivine Gumisiriza of Alliance for National Transformation contesting for Rujumbura constituency.

Rwabatongore Rweishe an Independent in Rubabo constituency was turned away after his academic documents did not match with his national identity card.