KASANGATI – Favourites choke crowds are not votes and NRM is enjoying victories in by-elections. Tell this to all but Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, aka Bobi Wine.
When the bell tolled for the crowd to prove that they were not mere bridesmaids at Bobi Wine’s campaign rallies, they did not just prove so, but turned up to humiliate their doubters and the two political nemesis in President Museveni and Opposition FDC’s Kizza Besigye.
The celebrated musician, running on an independent ticket, trounced the combined force of Museveni and Besigye in their efforts to root for their party flagbearers, garnering a landslide 25,659 votes to the measly returns of his opponents who settled for 7,336 votes among themselves.
The four opponents of incumbent qnd FDC candidate Apollo Kantinti (1832 voted), NRM’s Sitenda Sebalu (4552), and independent candidates Muwada Nkunyingi (575), and Kayongo Sowedi (377) ultimately turned out to be the bridesmaids in the Kyaddondo East parliamentary by-election.
A total of 32,999 voters participated in the peri-urban election, with 311 failing to vote appropriately.
Bobi Wine said the people had spoken.
“This 29th day of June marks a turning point in the politics of our country! History has been made. The people of Kyadondo East have spoken and their voice is being heard far and wide!” he said.
“The resounding victory is testament that the people of Kyadondo, and indeed the people of Uganda are ready for a new kind of leadership- a leadership which truly represents them,” the youthful musician said amid celebrations.
That this was Bobbi Wine’s victory to lose was one thing, but the opponents clamouring to concede defeat long before the final results were announced.
Ruling NRM publicist had hours before the final results trickled in announced that his party contented with the gains made regardless of ghetto outcome.
In a gentleman’s way of conceding defeat, Rogers Mulindwa said NRM had gained much by wrestling pockets of votes from FDC given Kyaddondo is the Opposition party’s stronghold.
“During our stay in Kyadondo, we have noted the increased support for NRM against our main political rivals – FDC. Wakiso district was formerly known for being an FDC strong hold but the trend has since changed,” Mr Mulindwa said.
Sitenda Sebalu, who had confidently prrdicted his victory after voting and joked that he would invite Bobi Wine to entertain fans at his victory party, also conceded defeat.
The opposition FDC, whose candidate and outgoing MP Kantinti came third also conceded defeat and promised to work with the youthful musician. Party Secretary General Nandala Mafabi and former presidential candidate Dr. Kizza Besiege, delivered congratulatory messaged to MP-elect Kyagulanyi.
