RUKUNGIRI: Excitement gripped Rukungiri Town on Wednesday as several individuals picked forms ahead of nomination for the new district Woman MP by-election.
The seat was declared vacant on March 22 by the Court of Appeal which rendered NRM’s Winnie Matsiko’s 2016 victory invalid following a petition by Forum for Democratic Change’ s Betty Bamukwasa Muzanira.
And on Wednesday morning, thousands of supporters accompanied their prospective candidates to pick nomination forms. The nomination is for Wednesday and Thursday, according to the programme issued by the Electoral Commission.
Loud hooting by motorcycles and vehicles could be seen around the streets of Rukungiri Town. The town was largely painted blue mainly by supporters of FDC’s Muzanira as they accompanied her to pick nomination forms.
Her nomination was further boosted by the presence of senior FDC leaders, among them Dr Kizza Besigye, Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, Kyadondo East MP Robert Kyagulanyi, aka Bobi Wine, and Leader of the Opposition in Parliament Winfred Kizza.
By 11am on Wednesday, seven people had picked nomination forms, among them FDC’s Muzanira, Fabith Kukundakwe of Peoples’ Progressive Party, Elizabeth Kyoshaba, Sheila Atukunda Kirebete, Former Woman MP Sezi Mbaguta and Elizabeth Rwakitonera. NRM’s Masiko is expected to expected to pick nomination on Wednesday afternoon or Thursday.
Campaigns begin on May 4 to May 29 as voting is for May 31.
