President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has condemned sectarianism in the Kisoro District Woman Member of Parliament by-election.
The President made his remarks on Tuesday while campaigning for the National Resistance Movement (NRM) candidate, Rose Kabagyeni, at Muramba Primary School in Muramba Sub-County and at Saaza Grounds in Kisoro Municipality. During the event, he officially presented the NRM flag to Kabagyeni, affirming her as the party’s candidate.
President Museveni’s comments followed a report from NRM Vice Chairperson for Western Uganda and Minister of Information, Communication, Technology, and National Guidance, Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, along with NRM Treasurer Jackline Kyatuheire, highlighting that religious sectarianism had become a prominent issue in the by-election.
In his address, President Museveni described those promoting sectarianism as enemies of the ruling NRM party. He noted that he had twice spoken by phone with Dr. Philemon Mateke, NRM Chairman in Kisoro, Bishop Callist Rubaramira of Kabale Diocese, and Bishop Godfrey Mbitse of Muhabura Diocese, urging them to denounce sectarianism. The President emphasized that religious and tribal sectarianism, along with vote rigging, are criminal offenses according to the Ugandan Constitution and legal codes.
Addressing allegations of vote rigging during the NRM primary elections, Museveni urged aggrieved parties to present evidence so that any misconduct could be thoroughly investigated and addressed. He called on local political leaders and residents to reject sectarianism for the sake of the region’s development.
President Museveni also invited Dr. Mateke to comment on whether sectarianism had indeed emerged as a concern in the by-election. Mateke affirmed that religious sectarianism was a major issue and pledged to continue condemning it and actively work against it.
NRM flag bearer Rose Kabagyeni expressed her gratitude to President Museveni for his support and promised to advance the NRM’s manifesto for the growth and progress of Kisoro District.
Kabagyeni faces competition for the Woman MP seat from candidates across multiple parties, including Salim Sultana (NUP), Aisha Cyimpaye (PPP), Juliet Musanase (FDC), and Mable Ingabire (UPC).
This by-election follows the passing of former Kisoro Woman MP and State Minister for Defence and Veteran Affairs, Sarah Mateke Nyirabashitsi, in early September. The election is set for November 14, 2024, and is expected to be highly competitive.
