Politics of Identity is Poison; Museveni tells Kisoro Voters.
President Museveni and Ns. Rose Kabagyenyi, the NRM Flag bearer in Kisoro Woman MP By-Election
President Yoeri Kaguta Museveni has asked voters in Kisoro to shun “Poisonous” Politics of Identity that has been reported in the ongoing District Woman Mp Campaigns.
Museveni who is also the National Resistance Movement – NRM Chairperson was speaking in Kisoro District at the final campaign rally of Ms. Rose Kabagyeni, the NRM Flag bearer in the By-election to replace the late Sarah Mateke Nyirabashitsi who died in September this year.
He said that he had talked to Muhabura Diocesan Bishop Rt. Rev. Godfrey Mbitse, Rt. Rev. Callistus Rubaramira of Kabale Diocese, and the Kisoro District NRM Chairperson Dr. Philemon Mateke about the matter.
“I have asked Bishop Mbitse, Bishop Callist and Dr. Mateke not to allow Politics of Identity in Kisoro because it is poison,” Museveni said.
He further noted that the previous Governments allowed Politics of identity to tear the country apart from time around 1966 to 1986, and it resulted into their own downfall.
“Politics of identity is one of the key factors that led to the collapse of the previous governments. They allowed the problem to tear the country apart from around 1966 to 1986 when we came to power.” Museveni said.
The President’s statements followed reports by both NRM Deputy Treasurer Jacqueline Kyatuhaire and the Party Vice Chairman Western Uganda, Dr. Chris Baryomunsi that the campaigns had been marred with Religious sentiments. They also accused the Kisoro District NRM Chairperson Dr. Philemon Mateke of causing division with in the NRM by supporting an independent candidate, who lost the NRM primary election to Kabagyeni.
However, Museveni asked people of Kisoro to maintain their historical support for the NRM by voting for Ms. Kabagyenyi. He said that the prevailing differences should not divert them from the achievements that the NRM has brought in the District. He outlined projects that the Government has done in Kisoro including Schools, Health services, and roads among others.
“When we came to power, Kisoro did not have a single highway tarmacked. Tarmac stopped in Kabale town. Today, Kabale -Kisoro road is completely tarmacked and the tarmac network continues from Kisoro town to Chanika border and then to Bunagana border,” Museveni said.
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).
