President Yoweri Museveni has rallied the people of Kisoro to avoid politics of tribes and religion differences, citing that they can destabilize the community.
Museveni expressed concern over emerging reports that some candidates and their teams are advancing politics of religion and tribes as they seek people’s mandate to parliament during the campaign for the NRM flag bearer, Rose Kabagyeni for the Woman Member of Parliament by-election seat.
“I was told that some aspirants and their agents are dividing the people during campaigns using religion and tribes.
“Those things of tribes and religion are very dangerous because they can destabilize the community. They destroyed the past governments for over 20 years after independence in the mid-80s. We had to go to the bush for 14 years to fight and correct that historical mistake, but it took us a long time. Whoever wants to take us back is an enemy of Uganda and will be crushed,” the President warned.
“You all know what happened in Rwanda. It was brought by ‘tribes’. For over 60 years, the Democratic Republic of Congo has been destabilised due to tribal conflicts and clashes. Do you want the same problems to return to Uganda? Or do you agree with me that we all fight that problem together?” Museveni asked the voters.
To those who support an independent candidate due to disagreements from the primary election, saying it was stolen, Museveni said “If the Kabagyeni team stole elections, its medicine should not be to leave NRM.”
“You can reveal to us the evidence, and we will investigate. Even if the elections are done. The perpetrators of the stolen votes will be apprehended and her win withdrawn. So, don’t divide yourselves due to the said issues. Don’t bring back that cancer,” He said.
He warned candidates against tribal or religious politicking, saying “They are potential criminals waiting to go to jail.”
“I have engaged with religious leaders in Kisoro and Kabale and we have agreed to eliminate the indiscipline of using region, tribes and use of abused language from our politics,” He said.
He later handed the NRM flag to Kabagyeni to represent the party in the election.
After endorsement by the president, Rose Kabagyeni committed to remain a loyal cadre of the NRM work to bring positive change among the people of Kisoro.
“I will not disappoint you the people of Kisoro if you vote for me as your leader in Parliament in the remaining time,” she said.
The people of Kisoro are set to cast their votes for their best candidates tomorrow (Thursday, 14th November, 2024).
Yesterday, Dan Nayebare, the Kisoro District Returning Officer received polling kits for the by-elections, with Kigezi Region Police Spokesperson Elly Matte present.
Candidate agents inspected each kit and checked seals to ensure all materials are secure and intact.
