In a heartfelt message addressed to her supporters and the community at large, Ruth Nyiraneza Mateke, sister to the late Kisoro Woman Representative Sarah Mateke, has expressed deep gratitude to all those who stood by her family during their time of mourning.
In her public statement, Ruth Mateke thanked friends, family, and the leaders who believed in her potential to carry on her sister’s legacy in politics. However, she firmly rejected any endorsement or candidacy for the vacant parliamentary seat.
Ruth Mateke, addressing the Bafumbira community and political leaders both at the national and district levels, shared that while she was honored to be considered as a successor to her sister, personal reasons have prevented her from running for the office of Kisoro Woman MP. Her decision to step aside has stirred a sense of clarity amidst ongoing speculation about her potential candidacy.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to set the record straight,” Mateke stated, “I have not endorsed any candidate and therefore urge whoever is running on the pretext that they were endorsed by myself to kindly stop.”
The statement comes in the wake of reports that some candidates may be leveraging her late sister’s name and image for political gain, which Mateke strongly opposed. She called for respect during this grieving period and emphasized that any candidates in the running should campaign based on their own merits rather than invoking her sister’s legacy for their advantage.
“Whoever is contesting, they should do so on their own merit and desist from using my Late sister’s name/photos to make their case. Please allow her to rest in peace,” she added.
Mateke’s remarks underscore her dedication to preserving her sister’s memory without political exploitation. While the race for the Kisoro Woman Representative seat heats up, Mateke’s statement serves as a reminder that family and respect for the deceased should be paramount.
As the political landscape in Kisoro adjusts to the absence of Sarah Mateke, Ruth Nyiraneza Mateke has chosen a different path, calling on the community to reflect and honor her sister’s legacy without interference. The upcoming election will now proceed without her involvement, leaving the contest open to other contenders vying to represent Kisoro District in Uganda’s parliament.
With her decision made clear, Mateke closed her statement by wishing all candidates well, adding, “Let the best candidate win.”
The announcement has garnered attention across national and district political circles, bringing an end to speculation over Mateke’s political future while reaffirming her family’s need for peace and privacy.
The candidates vying for the NRM ticket are Akifeza Grace Ngabirano, Sylivia Dushime, Igiraneze Winfred Faith, Jemimah Irankunda, Rose Kabagyeni, Blessed Kitentera, Irene Mahirwe, Hellen Mbonye, Nirere Fancy Brenda, Niyikiza Louise, Allen Nkurikiye, Aphia Nyiramahoro, and Eva Twireze.
Below is her statement.
Bafumbira,bafumbirakazi,bakimbiri n’abakimbirikazi, I would like to thank you all who joined us and have kept in touch during this time of sorrow, we offer our deepest gratitude. Your kind words, thoughtful gestures, and shared memories have helped us to remember our Late sister Sarah with love and fondness.
I would also like to extend my gratitude to the leaders both at National level and District level who believed in me to take up the mantle from my sister but due to personal reasons I could not run for the office of Kisoro Woman Representative.
I would also like to take this opportunity to set the record straight, I have *not* endorsed any candidate and therefore urge whoever is running on the pretext that they were endorsed by myself to kindly stop. I would like to further request that during this trying period, you allow the family to get to terms with the loss. Whoever is contesting they should do so on their own merit and desist from using my Late sister’s name/photos to make their case. Please allow her to rest in peace.
On this note, let the best candidate win.
I thank you so much.
Ruth Nyiraneza Mateke
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