Kamurari, Byanyima in tight race for Bukanga North

ELECTION WATCH | BUKANGA NORTH

A tight race in Bukanga North Constituency, Isingiro district is gaining ground as two candidates, Jeremiah Birungi Kamurari (Independent) and Nathan Byanyima (NRM), battle for the seat.

The district chairperson, Kamurari, known by his slogan "Omugogozi ", says he is ready for Byanyima, a former area MP and now NRM flag-bearer.

Kamurari, who lost the primaries to Byanyima, cried foul.  He said he opted to "let the people decide" in the general elections.

Kamurari got 13,210 votes against Byanyima's 29,501.

He petitioned the NRM tribunal and Dr Tanga Odoi, the chairperson NRM electoral commission, to annul the results, but the petition was dismissed and Byanyima's win upheld.

"My challenger, who came second in the NRM primaries, was declared winner and I opted to stand as an independent candidate.

People who voted for me overwhelmingly will do so again in the last game of the elections, come January 14," Kamurari said. However, Byanyima is confident he will win and return to Parliament.

"I was in Parliament for 15 years, but due to unavoidable circumstances, I took a 10-year break. I have now returned to active politics. After Bukanga North, I felt I was a good candidate to serve my people. They gave me the NRM flag and I will raise it high in Parliament," Byanyima said.

He said Isingiro district has never had an independent candidate winning a Parliamentary seat, adding that he is sure that even this time, no independent will make it to Parliament because Isingiro loves the NRM wholeheartedly.

Lives lost, people worried

During the NRM primary elections, three people were killed in election violence.

Bright Musa was shot dead in Rugaga trading centre as Police dispersed Kamurari's, supporters, according to Samson Kasasira, the Police spokesperson, Rwizi region.

Mark Haabasa, a resident of Rugaaga, is worried that the violence could return because some of the security agencies play partisan politics in the area.

Erias Mubiru, a resident of Bukanga North, says they need a leader who will work on the poor roads, provide safe water for humans and animals and address unemployment but do not want the empty rhetoric of parties or independents.

What voters want

Deo Rukundo said: "Most MPs, once voted to Parliament, they shift to Kampala for business and only come back after five years looking for votes. We need a representative who is ready to present our issues in Parliament, not businessmen in Kampala. We also need a leader who has the potential to contribute on the floor of Parliament."

Patrick Ndyamuba said residents need good roads to connect to markets. Eve

Mbabazi said: "In Ngarama, we are banana farmers, but we do not earn as much as expected due to high much taxes, price fluctuations and poor roads.

"We want the Government to remove taxes on bananas, set uniform banana prices and construct for us banana markets and factories for valve-addition."

Celemensia Senyonjo said women groups lack enough funding, so they need leaders and a government which will provide them with funds.

"We also want to benefit from the Government programmes, such as the Uganda Women Entrepreneur Programme (UWEP) as has happened to women in other areas so that we improve our incomes," Senyonjo added.

Kamurari promises to deliver

Jeremiah Birungi Kamurari who is contesting for Bukanga  North seat said once he is voted to Parliament, his emphasis will be on poverty alleviation among households, promoting human rights and income generation by lobbying for better markets, better roads, safe water, among others.

He said he wants to work with the people of Bukanga North and Uganda at large to improve the well-being of the people, especially in the health, education and agriculture sectors.