IGANGA–The race for Iganga Woman Member of Parliament has gained momentum as candidates brace for the polling day that is about a week away.
Five candidates are fighting to replace Hailat Kaudha Magumba who succumbed to pregnancy-related complications in May.
They include Brenda Asinde (NRM) Nakato Mariam (Independent) Naigaga Mariam (FDC) Aziza Kakerewe (Independent) and Olivia Kwagala Mawanda.
The race is, however, between NRM’s Asinde and FDCs Naigaga Mariam. The supporters of both candidates have has several violent confrontations during the campaign.
Asinde gained fame because of her availing water to rural areas in Iganga district, a feat that made people to start referring to her as Mama Maadi, translated to mean Mother of Water.
Her supporters believe their candidate won last year’s general election and was rigged out by a section of NRM leaders in the district.
Asinde who was nominated while pregnant gave birth to a baby boy on Tuesday.
Speaking to PML Daily soon after leaving hospital said: The people of Iganga decided last year what they wanted to do and where they wanted to go. They decided that I presented the best framework for building the district. But for some reason, their decision was sidelined by electoral fraud. I m sure they will again say that Brenda is the woman we want to take us forward,” she said.
Meanwhile, FDC’s Naigaga is vying for the seat for the third consecutive time. The mother of two recently had her campaign beefed up by FDC presidential hopeful Patrick Amuriat Oboi.
She has a big support base in Iganga Municipality and Bugweri county which have for long been FDC strongholds. Bugweri county is represented in Parliament by Abdu Katuntu.
Next week, both President Museveni and FDC strong man Dr Kizza Besigye are expected to join the campaign trail in support of their respective candidates.
Kuzaima Igoobe, a boda boda cyclist, said he will vote for Nantale because she has been consistent and has never been swayed to join NRM despite losing two consecutive elections.
The Iganga District Woman MP seat fell vacant following the death of Kaudha Hailat Magumba who succumbed to pregnancy-related complications. She was serving her first term as Iganga district Woman MP.
