By Moses Ntare
1- The election is slated for Thursday, 31st of May 2018.
2- The by-election has attracted five candidatse (Elizabeth Rwakitonera pulled out), namely Winfred Masiko, Betty Muzanira, Sezi Mbaguta, Sheila Atukunda and Kirebete Fabith Kukundakwe.
3- Ms Betty Muzanira (FDC), Ms Winfred Masiko (NRM) and former Public Service minister, Ms Sezi Mbaguta (Independent), are central figures in the by-Election, having competed for the seat earlier.
4- Political history in Rukungiri district is largely based on culture, religion and political party.
5- One’s capability and promises (manifesto) does’t influence the Rukungiri election.
6- Rukungiri people are believed to be FDC diehards, being a home district of former FDC presidential candidate rtd. Col. Dr. Kiiza Besigye.
7- Court of Appeal on March 22 cancelled Masiko’s victory, on allegations that she was declared a winner yet she had bribed voters during her campaigns among other allegations.
8- It was Ms Betty Muzanira (FDC) who dragged Matsiko to court, saying that she ( Matsiko, NRM) had stolen her victory.
9- Elizabeth Rwakitonera pulled out of the race, after being advisd by the former security minister Lt.Gen.Henry Tumukunde.
10- This by-election has attracted Big names in Rukungiri than ever, who go there to campaign for their own candidates. They include: FDC president, Mr Patrick Amuriat , Maj Gen (Rtd) Mugisha Muntu, the former FDC president, mr Fred Turyamuhweza (MP Rujumbura) and Mr Rolland Kaginda (Rukungiri Municipality) secretary for mobilisation Ingrid Turinawe ,Rukungiri Municipality MP Roland Kaginda, kyadoondo east mp Hon ktyagulanyi aka abaobi wine, Kawempe South MP Mubarak Munyagwa , Dr. Kizza Besigye, leader of opposition in Parliament Winnie Kiiza, Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, Salaamu Musumba, party chairperson Wasswa Birigwa and many others.
State minister for Housing Chris Baryomunsi, State minister for Planning David Bahati, Ntungamo Woman MP Beatrice Rwakimari and Kisoro Woman MP Rose Kabagyenyi. Former Makerere University Chancellor Mondo Kagonyera, lt. Gen Henry Tumukunde, rtd. Maj. Gen.jim muhwezi and former Health minister Alex Kamugisha are also campaigning for Ms Matsiko.
12- The president of Uganda yoweri museveni will visit Rukungiri to campaign for the NRM Candidate Winnie Matsiko .
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