By Chris Mugasha
BUSHENYI: Hundreds of people yesterday thronged the home of Paul Kahiigi Turyamureba in Rwanshetsya in Kyamuhunga sub county Bushenyi district to witness the official launching of his manifesto and campaign trail in the on-going NRM party parliamentary primaries.
Kahiigi the former Bushenyi district Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) secretary general excited his supporters and residents more when he officially announced his support for President Yoweri Museveni. He said his coming to NRM will increase Museveni’s percentage compared to what he has been getting.
Kahiigi is contesting for Igara West MP seat. Other candidates in the race are Csl. Cohen Kyampene, Tugume Bonifence and Macklean Kahimbi. Gaffa Mbwatekamwa the incumbent has not shown interest in the seat as he has switched to Mbarara Mayoral race. Political analysts said Kahiigi’s presence in Igara West MP race has left the other candidates in ‘sleepless’ nights.
Kahiigi disclosed how he has held a series of meetings and engagements with some top NRM party leaders/historicals like the Minister for Internal affairs Gen. Kahinda Otafiire, minister for security Gen.Jim Muhwezi among others whom he said they have welcomed him to the party and approved his candidature.
Samuel Mbagirenta an elder and opinion leader in Kyamuhunga welcomed Kahiigi and pledged to support him saying; “I’ve all along been waiting for you (Kahigi) to speak out and now you have declared it publically and we are going to give you 100% support.”
The Bushenyi district NRM secretary general Emmanuel Muheebwa was among the leaders that welcomed and congratulated Kahiigi.
Kahiigi worked as the Kyamuhunga sub county LCIII chairman and later switched back to his profession of teaching in secondary schools but continued to pursue his political ambitions through FDC where he has been among the founders and staunch supporter. He competed for Bushenyi district LCV Chairman Seat twice and lost despite having massive support at the grassroots which many said the party he was subscribing to, always disadvantaged him. Despite the losing, Kahiigi remained hopeful and close to people.
Kahiigi warned the people of Igara West not to make another mistake of voting people who only come during the time of elections/campaigns.
“There are people who came from Kampala and participated even in trivial things; but where are they now?” Kahiigi challenged the voters. Mbwatekamwa did all sorts of things including joining mourners to dig graves, participating with women to peel matooke during the funerals to attract support and sympathy from the voters. But he later ‘abandoned’ most of the social activities in the constituency.
The voters have been waiting for him only to hear he has now gone to Mbarara city.
Kahiigi who is described by many as a ‘grass-root grounded leader’ said during his term as LCIII chairman for Kyamuhunga Sub County he founded most of the existing health centres, schools among others. “If I had not established them, where would they be putting the mattresses they are donating?” he wondered.
He is currently the Chairman for Board of Directors-Kyamuhunga People’s SACCO (KYAPS) and chairman of several school management committees for different secondary and primary schools. Kahiigi has been working with the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) where he has been a Principal communications officer- Western region.
“Kahiigi is a leader who mixes well with us and all people irrespective of their age and status. He has never abandoned us amidst the challenges he has gone through,” said Patience Muheirwe a resident of Kakanju Sub County. End
