Mary Mugasa rallies Kikuube residents to back NRM candidate Paddy Kisembo in LC5 By-Election

By Our Reporter

The Minister of State for Bunyoro Affairs, Hon. Mary Mugasa, has called on the people of Kikuube District to unite behind National Resistance Movement (NRM) flag bearer Paddy Kisembo ahead of the district LC5 Chairperson by-election scheduled for Thursday.

Speaking after a series of meetings with different community groups in Kiziranfumbi Sub-county, Hon. Mugasa emphasized the need for party unity and urged residents to rally behind the NRM candidate in order to retain the district leadership seat.

“I want to thank God that at this point in time we are moving as a team. Everybody has been reconciled to follow the party position,” Mugasa said.

The minister noted that efforts to reconcile party members who had expressed dissatisfaction during the electoral process had yielded positive results, creating a united front as the campaign enters its final stages.

She also appealed to individuals from outside Kikuube District to avoid interfering in local political matters, arguing that residents should be allowed to determine their own leadership without external influence.

“We thank Kikuube well-wishers who are from Hoima City, Kampala and other areas, but please let us be. We want to handle the issues of Kikuube ourselves without interference to avoid future blame games,” she said.

Hon. Mugasa further reminded voters that Kikuube has historically been a stronghold of the ruling party and urged residents to maintain that political tradition by voting overwhelmingly for the NRM candidate.

“Kikuube is 95 percent NRM. We don’t want our members to be misled into electing the opposition. Let us not embarrass ourselves. We set a good record and voted for President Museveni and NRM flag bearers. Let us maintain that record,” she added.

The NRM Director of Mobilisation, Dr. Rosemary Seninde, echoed Mugasa’s sentiments, expressing confidence that the party would secure a convincing victory in the by-election.

According to Seninde, reconciliation efforts among party supporters have strengthened the campaign and created renewed momentum for Kisembo’s bid.

“The reconciled teams understood the party position and pledged to support Paddy Kisembo to the end,” Seninde said.

She revealed that the NRM is targeting not only victory but also a commanding margin over the opposition candidate.

“Unlike in most by-elections that register very low voter turnout, we are working to ensure that the Kikuube by-election attracts a very huge voter turnout,” Seninde noted.

She warned party supporters against voting for opposition candidates out of internal dissatisfaction, arguing that such a move could create long-term political challenges for the ruling party in the district and the wider Bunyoro sub-region.

“We can’t afford to give an opportunity to the opposition to penetrate Kikuube, an NRM stronghold. Voting the opposition can be a very big problem for NRM in future in Kikuube and Bunyoro sub-region,” she cautioned.

Meanwhile, NRM candidate Paddy Kisembo expressed optimism about his chances, saying the campaign has gained significant momentum following successful reconciliation among party members.

“It is becoming clear that victory is our way. We have reconciled with our fellow members who were disgruntled and they have committed to support and canvass votes for me,” Kisembo said.

“It is a good thing and I anticipate an unprecedented big win,” he added.

The NRM campaign team includes Hon. Jane Alisemera Babiiha, Kikuube District Woman Member of Parliament Hon. Flora Natumanya, and members of the district executive committee, all of whom have intensified mobilization efforts ahead of polling day.

As campaigns draw to a close, the ruling party remains confident of retaining the LC5 seat, with leaders calling on supporters to turn out in large numbers and deliver what they describe as a decisive victory for Paddy Kisembo and the NRM.