RUKUNGIRI: The NRM party announced Sunday evening that its chairman President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni will be in Rukungiri Monday to drum up support for the party flag bearer Winfred Matsiko.
Roger Mulindwa, the party communication confirmed the President will be in the district for two days soliciting votes for Matsiko..
Mulindwa also explained that the coordination meeting has already convened to draw up the rally plans.
In this highly contested by-election, Matsiko contesting against FDC’s Betty Muzanira and independent Shirah Atukunda.
The seat fell vacant after the High Court ordered for fresh polls. Muzanira petitioned the High Court accusing NRM of bribing voters and giving donations during campaigns.
Last minute campaigns for FDC, NRM
Last week Dr Kiiza Besigye, the former president of FDC led a group of opposition figures, to solicit votes for Muzanira.
They campaigned in the villages of Bikongozo, Nyarushoroza, Omukagaana, Murama, Kafunjo, Kakyenkye and Nyarurambi. They also campaigned in Ruyonza village, Omukyishanda, Omukashenyi and Kisizi Hospital.
Just like for the Jinja East by-election which was won by Paul Mwiru, the Opposition fraternity is united for the Rukungiri by-election.
Maj. Gen. Mugisha Muntu, the former FDC party president, who had threatened to quit the party after losing to Patrick Amuriat, was also campaigning for Muzanira alongside the party Secretary for Mobilization, Ingrid Turinawe.
On the side of NRM party, the former Gen Henry Tumukunde, the former security minister was seen, convincing people to vote for Matsiko.
Muzanira however camplained to Electoral Commission, alleging that some army and prison officers are involved in partsian politics.
Justice Simon Byabakama, the chairperson of Electoral Commission directed the district returning officer Umar Kiyimba to probe the matter and immediately report to the electoral body.
