By Aggrey Twesigye
MBARARA: The Igara West Member of Parliament, Louis Gafa Mbwatekamwa, who is seeking for the Mbarara city mayoral seat on the NRM ticket, has accused fellow aspirants of plotting to derail his nomination.
Addressing his supporters at the Mbarara city bus park on Saturday, Mbwatekamwa alleged that fellow contenders in the race have petitioned the NRM Electoral Commission Chairperson, Dr. Tanga Odoi to stop his nomination on grounds that he (Gafa) does not reside in the city and owns no property within the city.
“They are saying I don’t belong to Mbarara, that I have no property here. That is a lie,” the controversial MP told the cheering crowd. “I am a registered voter in Rwizi Cell, and I meet all the requirements to run for mayoral seat,” Mbwatekamwa stressed.
He accused the duo of using underhanded tactics to edge him out of the race. “They are scared of my popularity, so they’re resorting to smear campaigns and baseless petitions,” he said.
Mbwatekamwa reaffirmed his commitment to the race, warning that he will not back down even if denied the NRM flag. “If the party fails to give me the ticket, I will go independent. Let the people of Mbarara decide who leads them—not a few individuals in dark rooms,” he warned.
The mayoral contest in Mbarara city has so far attracted eight candidates, all seeking to end the tenure of incumbent Mayor Robert Mugabe Kakyebezi who took over from Wilson Tumwiine.
Mbwatekamwa’s decision to contest in Mbarara city has left many wondering and questioning why he abandons and changes constituencies every term-of elections.
Mbwatekamwa was formerly the Kasambya MP before he switched to Igara West in Bushenyi district where he has served only one term leaving voters ‘cursing’ with many describing his term of office as a loss. End.
