Political hotspots as NRM goes to polls

The political temperature in the country is high as the National Resistance Movement ruling party goes to polls in less than 24 hours from now.

However, the political temperature has in some areas degenerated into chaos with supporters of different candidates trading insults and fights. The elections of party flag bearers isn’t the final vote but it means alot as it is an affirmation that one is a candidate endorsed by the party.

Eagle Online brings to you areas that have been eye-marked as hot spots given the chaos and bickering that have unfolded in the campaign periods.

Western Uganda

Kigezi

Kigezi has reported a peaceful campaign period in general except a few incidents in some areas like Rubanda East where the incumbent legislator Henry Musasizi is  reported being intimidated by former commander of Air Force Lt.Gen. Jim Owoyesigyire. Eagle Online  Gen. Owoyesigyire is reportedly supporting Musasizi’s opponent Kenneth Biryabarema.

Rujumbura formerly represented by former minister Jim Muhwezi who is trying to reclaim  it from the current legislator Tumuheirwe Turyamuhweza. Still in Rukungiri, another constituency likely to be no go area for the incumbent is Rubabo represented by Puala Turyahikayo.She is facing competition from two young turks.

Kinkizi East, Junior lands Minister Dr. Chris Baryamunsi is also struggling to retrain his seat given that he is now the longest serving legislator but above all, Baryamunsi is having sleepless nights due to the pressure from the church given his love and hate relationship with the leadership of the church in the area.

Bushenyi 

Bushenyi  is one of the areas that is likely to register high cases of electoral multipractice given the nature of campaigns and candidates who are in the race.

Karooro Okurut and Mugisha Annet. The current Minister of General Duties in the Office of the Prime Minister is fighting for her survival from newcomer Annet Mugisha wife to the loaded Managing Director of National Water and Sewerage Corporation. However, Minister Okurut has equally a mountain of sponsors who are led by tycoon Hassan Basajjabalaba who are backing her. Ms Okurut and Ms Mugisha used to be friends to the extent that at one, Ms Mugisha was her political Assistant. The race between the two has sharply divided voters with cases of intimidation already being registered.

Igara West With Minister Raphael Magyezi out of the way, Igara West looks like everything is preset for former Kasambya  County legislator Mbwatekamwa set to represent the constituency. However, Mr. Magyezi and regime looks likely there is a plot to have some other candidate instead of Mbwatekamwa.

Sheema Municipality  This is an area that has shown signs of violence from the start of the campaigns and this is because of the nature of the people contesting in the party primaries. The race has attracted many candidates but two standout and these are former Assistant Commissioner in charge of Customs at Uganda Revenue Authority Dicksons Kateshumbwa and current legislator who is also Minister of Science and Innovations Dr. Elioda Tumwesigye. Both candidates are strong with money and security apparatus. However, there are reports of ferrying of non voters to the area and also some masquerades as security outfit by one of the two camps.

Mbarara Municipality Mbarara is the regional city of Western region and therefore, this alone gives status and credibility to whoever takes over Mbarara as the bull in a kraal for representation in the region.

Mbarara has been sub-divided into two constituencies, Mbarara South and North. the current Member of Parliament Michael Tusiime is under spotlight for not doing much under the current term. Tusiime is facing it rough from Mbarara businessman and also NRM Central Executive Committee member Robert Mwesigwa Rukaari. Rukaari represents entrepreneurs on CEC. The two camps have seen their supports trading insults and the same is like to happen at polling date. The two are vying for Mbarara North.

Mbarara South Outgoing Member of Parliament for Youth representing Western Mwene Mpaka is contesting for Mbarara South constituency. Although he has competitors, it is likely that they threaten his win as he has mobilized the ground well.

Kaazo This is a new district that was curved out Kiruhura. The battle in Kaazo is between former Principal Private Secretary to the president Molly Kamukama and Ann Ruyondo a daughter to one of the bush war fighter Col. Patrick Lumumba.

Ruyondo narrowly lost to Ann Adeke in the national female elections in 2016 elections. It was alleged that Ms Kamukama silently influenced that election fearing should Ms Ruyondo win, it would have been an automatic ticket for her to use to claim Kaazo. Their campaigns have tense with both camps boasting of money and security.

Other areas deemed hot are Isingiro, Ibanda Fort Portal Hoima, Kibaale and Kiryadongo.