Sitenda Sebalu still hurts over the result in 2016. Just 14 votes had made all the difference in the Kyadondo East parliamentary polls. Apollo Kantinti of opposition Forum for Democratic Change had nipped it from under Sebalu’s teeth.
But after fighting tooth and nail to see the result overturned the ruling NRM party flag bearer smells the aroma of some good meal in ballot box. He is optimistic of winning the June 26 by-election.
Sebalu’s confidence were reinforced following a consultative meeting in the constituency yesterday. The meeting, shared by NRM Secretary General Justin Kasule Lumumba, saw the two rival factions accepting to work in harmony.
Also in attendance was the National Treasurer Hon Rose Namayanja and the Director of Finance and Administration Dr Hassan Wasswa Galiwango.
During the 2016 polls, three NRM leaning independents contested, leaving the party to share votes for its cadres. Majority of the NRM district leadership backed Stella Njuba, whose 4,000 votes proved too short a gamble and the party officials regretfully believe most of those votes would have made the difference for Sebalu.
In the meeting, Lumumba warned of the dangers of creating cliques that split the party.
We made mistakes
Hajji Sulaiman Walusimbi, who led the Njuba camp last year, confessed fighting Sebalu in the previous election had denied the party victory.
He pledged to mobilise support for the flag bearer during the by-elections.
Meanwhile Rose Namayanja, who resides in the same constituency, pledged support for the flag bearer, noticing that a motor accident in 2016 had ruled her political activity but that she was back to drum up support for Sebalu.
