KAMPALA – Finance minister and Buyanja County MP Matia Kasaija has been declared unopposed after his rival, Paul Kyalimpa, an Independent, withdrew from the race following his appointed as Deputy Director of Uganda Investment Authority (UIA).
President Museveni in a November 24 letter to Mr Kasaija, recommended Kyalimpa for the position.
“I refer to my conversation with you in Gulu last Wednesday regarding the above mentioned person. This is to authorise you to go ahead with the recruitment process and have the candidate appointed, if found suitable. The terms of service should be in accordance with the institution’s guidelines,” the President’s letter reads in part.
The communication of Mr Kyalimpa withdrawing from the parliamentary race was issued by the Electoral Commission (EC) on the recommendation of Kibaale District Returning Officer, Opeto Aggrey James on December 7.
“I Ipeto Aggrey James being the Returning Officer for KIBAALE Electorate District, in accordance with the Parliamentary Elections Act, Section 19A 2005 [as amended], hereby declare HON. MATIA KASAIJA (NRM) elected UNOPPOSED as We Directly Elected Member of Parliament for Buyanja County In Kibaale Electoral District,” his declaration form reads.
“ Please refer to the attached copy of the withdraw letter and the Declaration by the Returning Officer of Hon. Matta Kasaija as Unopposed for Buyama County in Kibaale Electoral District,” Mr Opeto said in a letter to EC date November 7.
This brings to nine the number of NRM parliamentary flag bearers who have already sailed through unopposed even before the general elections .
These include ; Gyavira Ssemwanga (Buyamba County ) ,Enock Nyongore (Nakaseke North) , Hilaly Lokwang (Ik County) , Pius Wakabi (Bugahya County ,Emely Kugonza (Buyanja East ), Anita Among (Bukedea Woman) and Lilian Paparu (Vura Woman)
