National Unity Platform (NUP) President Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu has expressed confidence in his party’s growing influence in Western Uganda, buoyed by a warm reception in Kisoro on the second day of the Kisoro Woman MP by-election nominations. Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, rallied alongside NUP’s candidate Salim Sultana, who is vying to fill the vacant seat.
The by-election, triggered by the passing of Sarah Mateke, the former Kisoro Woman MP and State Minister of Defense and Veteran Affairs, has brought a surge of political activity to Kisoro District. Among the six candidates nominated by the close of the day was Akifeza Grace Ngabirano, who re-entered the race as an independent after narrowly losing in the NRM primaries to Rose Kabagyeni. Determined to serve her community, Ngabirano’s return was marked by the chants of supporters as she declared her commitment to the people of Kisoro and her intention to unite the Bafumbira community.
Starting the day’s nominations was Aisha Cyimpaye, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) candidate, who secured her nomination at 10:05 a.m. This was followed by the arrival of Ngabirano at 12:53 p.m., greeted by an enthusiastic crowd. Later, at 2:01 p.m., Salim Sultana was escorted by Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya and Mityana Municipality MP Francis Zaake, underscoring the party’s support for her candidacy.
NUP’s arrival in Kisoro was celebrated with Kyagulanyi officially inaugurating the district’s new NUP office. During his address, Kyagulanyi dismissed claims that NUP’s influence in Western Uganda is minimal, emphasizing the strong support they encountered in Kisoro. “We are confident that victory is on our side,” Kyagulanyi declared, noting that Kisoro’s warm reception reflects NUP’s growing strength in the region.
Sultana criticized the ruling party for its history of unfulfilled promises, stating that the notion of Kisoro’s unwavering NRM support needs to be challenged. “The narrative that Kisoro votes 100% NRM needs to end,” she affirmed, pledging to bring new representation to her constituents.
By day’s end, a diverse group of six candidates, including Mbale Ingabire of the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC), had secured their nominations, signaling a competitive race ahead.
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