Mao's no-show in Kasese puzzles leaders

Democratic Party (DP) presidential candidate Norbert Mao did not show up for the second day in Kasese district, disappointing enthusiastic residents and top party leaders who were waiting for him.

Joseph Kule, the DP chairperson for Kasese, said Mao was scheduled to campaign in Kasese on Wednesday, November 11, before proceeding to Rubirizi.

Journalists from different media houses had also camped in Kasese since Wednesday, to cover the campaign, however they were all disappointed after waiting for two days without seeing him.

When asked about Mao's whereabouts, Kule told journalists that the campaign entourage could not deliver the candidate to Kasese and that there was no communication between the team in Kampala and Kasese.

"Honestly, I do not know what to tell the journalists and supporters because there is no communication between me and the team in Kampala," Kule said.

He said he had also not arranged for the venue because he was not sure Mao would make it. "I could not commit myself and book for the venue or a radio programme because there was no clear communication," Kule added.

Florence Biira, a resident of Nyakasanga, said the no-show could demoralise his supporters.

"Mao is just full of drama and that is not good because he made us wait for two days and he did not communicate. This is politics and not comedy. If he wants to play his comedy, he should not have been nominated. He should have gone to the national theatre instead," she said.

Biira said they expected Mao to address issues of land and tribal conflicts, which have engulfed the district. Bernadette Businge, the DP party flag-bearer for Busongora North parliamentary seat, said they were also still waiting for communication from the headquarters.

"As of now, we do not have Mao's campaign programme, we are also still waiting for him and we shall inform the public when he informs us," Businge said.

Rwenzori east regional Police commander Samuel Asiimwe said they did not expect any presidential candidate to campaign in Kasese district. DP has been struggling to field candidates for different elective positions in Kasese. The party, in August, opened a small office in Nyakasanga.