By Chris Mugasha
In a twist of events, two former ministers in Sheema District who were defeated in the last NRM primaries have bounced back with overwhelming support.
Provisional results indicate that Prof. Ephraim Kamuntu who is the Senior Presidential advisor is leading in Sheema South against the incumbent Prof. Elijah Mushemeza.
In Sheema North, the former Minister Dr Elioda Tumwesigye who was defeated in the Sheema Municipality by Dickson Kateshumbwa is leading against the incumbent Naome Kibaju. After getting ‘humiliated’ in the Municipality by Kateshumbwa a former commissioner in the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), Tumwesigye went back to his drawing board and chose to retreat to Sheema North to tussle it out with Kibaju whose signs of loosing started when he lost her husband Obadia Rushambuza.
Tumwesigye was formerly the Sheema North MP but when the Municipality was created he decided to contest in the municipality where he thought he would perform better. He however faced stiff competition twice in the Municipality till when he lost it to Kateshumbwa. Even when he was massively defeated, Tumwesigye didn’t lose hope instead he has returned to the stage.
For the Sheema district woman MP seat, supporters of Adrine Katusiime Mwebesa took to the streets to celebrate the early results which put Katusiime in the lead against incumbent Rosemary Nyakikongoro.
Katusiime attempted Nyakikongoro in the last primaries but she lost and the flag was taken by Nyakikongoro. Katusiime kept close to her supporters at the grassroots while Nyakikongoro withdrew a bit especially when she got involved in an accident that sent her to a ‘bed rest.’
For Sheema Municipality, provisional results put Kateshumbwa in the lead against Mukasa. This has been Mukasa’s first attempt but the results he has polled have left Kateshumbwa’s camp shaking.
Bushenyi
In Bushenyi district, the ‘dust’ seems to have settled with Iddi Bassajjabalaba a son to city tycoon Hassan Bassajjabalaba leading in the Bushenyi/Ishaka Municipality against Csl. Marvin Baryaruha. This has been Baryaruha’s 2nd attempt.
In Igara West Csl.Cohen Kyampene is leading against Tugume Bonifence. The Minister for Local government Raphael Magyezi surprised many when he showed up at the last minute only to vote Tugume. Igara West is more of an ‘orphan’ after the incumbent Mbwatekamwa Gaffa abandoned it to contest for Mbarara city mayor ship.
In Igara East, the incumbent PLU’s Michael Mawanda claimed early lead against his closest contender Clayeford Kirenzi.
For the Bushenyi district woman MP Seat, provisional results show that the incumbent Hon. Annet Katusiime Mugisha will win the NRM’s party flag against Vianey Kashaya.
Buhweju
In Buhweju district, Ephraim Biraro’s chances of retaining the NRM flag for Buhweju West were dwindling with results favoring the first contender Eng. Johnbosco Karitsa. Biraro has been serving his 2nd term in parliament.
For Buhweju district woman MP seat, the incumbent Olive Koyekyenga was struggling to defend the flag threatened by Annet Namara.
Rubirizi district
In Rubirizi district, Eng. John Ntamuhira’s chances of defending his incumbency were diminishing with the former MP Cadet Benjamin claiming the lead in the provisional results.
Mitooma District
In Mitooma district, all eyes were on the minister for internal affairs Gen. Kahinda Otafiire but provisional results puts the General in the lead against Capt. Keneth Ruhweju.
For Mitooma district woman MP, supporters of the incumbent Juliet Agasha Bashiisha were in ‘cold’ as supporters of Rabecca Kyarampe Namanya claimed early victory. Rabecca participated in the last primaries but lost. Despite losing, she remained at the grass root. Rabecca runs a tailoring workshop in Mitooma town.
Capt. Dononzio Kahonda who gained popularity after defeating Otafiire was facing it rough with Capt. Authur Kazoora and Hebert Asiimwe. End.
