Masindi candidates disagree on joint campaigns

MASINDI - National Resistance Movement (NRM) candidates from Masindi district have disagreed on holding joint campaigns ahead of the party primaries.

Whereas some said joint campaigns would limit them from interacting with their voters, others said this was a good thing since all contestants will share the same podium and the electorate will decide after listening to each of them.

The candidates, who are contesting for positions including Members of Parliament, district chairperson and municipal mayor, expressed their views during a meeting in Masindi on Tuesday.

The Masindi Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Darius Nandinda, and NRM registrar Moses Ogwang convened the meeting at the RDC's office to issue guidelines that will be followed during the campaigns.

Some of the candidates questioned whether the NRM secretariat was ready to provide the required logistics, like the public address system and security, during the joint campaigns.

Julia Bintu, who is also vying for the Masindi district woman MP seat, said joint campaigns are impossible since they have little time before the voting day.

"I don't want us to deceive ourselves that we can have joint campaigns when there are no resources and the time left is limited. If by now the district registrar hasn't got the logistics, how possible can this be?" Bintu asked.

Stephen Kabindi, who is vying for the Buruli County seat, explained that joint campaigns would have been good if enough time was given to the candidates.

"They have told us, apparently, there are no funds to facilitate this. Enough preparations would have been done. This will limit us from reaching out to voters. If they wanted joint campaigns, more time would have been allocated," Kabindi said.

However, some contestants said they are ready for joint campaigns. Kabakumba Masiko, who is vying for the Masindi woman MP seat, said joint campaigns are paramount since they bring together all candidates.

Grace Bukirwa, who is contesting for the Bujenje County seat, said she is ready for joint campaigns, arguing that the remaining time is enough.

Cosmas Byaruhanga, the incumbent Masindi district chairperson, who is contesting for Bujenje County, also said he is ready for joint campaigns.

RDC Nandinda assured the contestants that they will have peaceful campaigns and elections. According to Ogwang, 88 candidates have been nominated to stand for different positions, 12 of them unopposed.

Six challenge MP Fox Odoi

The political temperature in West Budama North East constituency, Tororo district, is running high as aspirants challenge incumbent MP Fox Odoi, promising better representation in parliament and bridging the service delivery gaps in the constituency. 

The six NRM aspirants emerged after the constituents accused their current MP (Odoi) of abandoning them and supporting controversial bills that misrepresent their culture and traditional beliefs. Odoi was against the passing of the anti-homosexuality Act.

Richard Owere Machika, one of the challengers, kicked off his campaign at Senda village and covered the six sub-counties that make up the constituency. He was met with a mammoth crowd of supporters who cheered him. 

Other candidates are: Rotarian Robert Onyango Magara, whose focus is on improving access to clean water, sanitation and promoting economic empowerment; Rose Oketcho, who is basing her campaigns on youth empowerment and promoting gender equality; Vincent Nyero, Osinde Owor; and Mary Achom, all hoping to give their best to the constituents if given a chance.

"We have been neglected for too long, which is why we now need a leader who will prioritise our needs and deliver services to the people," said Yerusa Ochwo, a former district councillor representing Paya and Sopsop sub-counties.

Andrew Okoth, a district councillor representing Soni sub-county, said the current legislator has done little to improve the welfare of his electorate. Attempts to get a comment from Odoi were futile.