Minister J. Muhwezi Raises Security Concern Over  Sectarianism in Kisoro By-Election Campaigns.

The Minister for National Security, Rtd. Maj. Gen Jim Muhwezi Katugugu has condemned promoters of sectarianism in the Kisoro Woman Mp By-election campaigns describing the practice as a threat to the National Security.

Minister Muhwezi who doubles as Rujumbura County Mp was today addressing Journalists in Rukugiri District at the Kigezi Media Symposium organized by the Social Mobilization Movement, Ugandans Below 40- UB40.

The Minister said he had received reports that the ongoing Campaigns for the Kisoro Woman Mp By-election have been marred by Politics of Identity based on religious sectarianism. The candidates in the by-election set for November 14, 2024 are seeking to replace former State Minister of Defense Sarah Nyirabashitsi Mateke who died in September this year.

Gen. Muhwezi said that the same Politics of identity had been reported in Kabale District, and asked the Media to confront the “sectarianists”, adding that sectarian divisions leave the population vulnerable to insecurity.

“We are not electing clan or religious leaders. We are electing people to serve everybody regardless of their gender, religion, tribe and other trivial differences,” Gen. Muhwezi said.

The Minister further asked the journalists to be patriotic and practice responsible journalism by denying media space to Politicians seeking to destroy the nation through sectrianism. He described such Politicians as “Ideologically Bankrupt”

 “This is your country and responsible journalism requires you to shun people who seek to destroy Uganda simply because they are ideologically bankrupt” He said.

The UB40 President Dr. Jude Marvin Katerega also challenged Kigezi journalists to lead the fight against Politics of Identity, arguing that the practice is a hindrance to development and good governance since it results in election of incompetent leaders.

“Kigezi sub-region is known for having hardworking people and producing good leaders, but this Politics of identity is too much and soon it will be a big hindrance to development if not dealt with” Dr. Katerega said.

This comes a few weeks after the Kisoro District NRM Chairperson Dr. Philemon Mateke cautioned religious leaders against interfering with the ongoing campaigns. Mateke told the press that a section of religious leaders was giving financial support to some of the contesters.

A total of six candidates are contesting in the Kisoro Woman Mp by-election, set for November 14, 2024. They include NRM’s Rose Kabagyeni, Independent Candidate Grace Ngabirano Akifeeza, Salim Sultana (NUP), Aisha Cyimpaye (PPP), Juliet Musanase (FDC), and Mable Ingabire (UPC).