HOIMA – Hon. Tophace Byagira Kaahwa, who has been the Woman Representative of Hoima district, has now opted to represent the newly created Kikuube district, creating a vacancy in her constituency.
Hon Kaahwa who is under the NRM political party was previously serving in Hoima district as a Member of Parliament but has finally decided to serve as Kikuube Woman MP.
Kikuube district which was carved out of Hoima was made a district and became effective on July 1.
On July 12, the Speaker of Parliament Hon. Rebecca Kadaga wrote a letter to the MP requesting her to notify the House if she wished to continue representing Hoima or the newly created Kikuube district.
“…it is imperative that you notify Parliament of your choice in exercise of the right given under section 8 (5) of the Parliamentary Elections Act. Your response will guide me on what course of action to be taken as dictated by the provisions of the Constitution,” read the letter in part.
Hon Kadaga directed the Hon Kaahwa to treat the matter with urgency and respond within two weeks after receipt of her letter.
The Constitution requires that whenever a vacancy occurs in Parliament, the clerk to the House must inform the EC in writing within ten days after it has occurred. A by-election should be held to fill the vacancy within sixty days after the EC has received information about the vacant position from the Parliament.
Kaahwa, who has represented Hoima district for nearly two full terms, has now confirmed her exit in Hoima creating a vacancy. She has decided to represent women in the new district.
According to the constitution, Parliament is supposed to inform the EC about the vacant position after communication from the MP. Hon Kadaga said a vacancy would have been created in the House, warranting the holding of a by-election in Hoima.
However, the Electoral Commission has not held a by-election to fill the vacancy in Hoima district.
