President Yoweri Museveni, who is also the Chairman of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), has urged the people of Igara East Constituency in Bushenyi district, to support and vote Mr. Andrew Martial, the Movement flag bearer in the upcoming bye-elections noting that it is the NRM government that has a clear programme to develop the country and so the Movement deserves the support of all Ugandans.
Igara East constituency in the Ankole Sub-Region in South Western Uganda, fell vacant after the High Court nullified the election of Mr. Andrew Martial of the National Resistance Movement who had won the seat in last year’s General Elections.
The High Court upheld a petition by the main challenger of Andrew Mr. Michael Mawanda Maranga who accused him of being involved in electoral multipractices.
The bye-elections set for Thursday 14th December 2017 has attracted several candidates who include Andrew Martial of the Movement, Independent Candidates, Messrs Michael Mawanda Maranga, Katana Benjamin and Kananura B. Bahemuka and Ms. Bekunika Christine Ninsiima of the Forum for Democratic Change.
President Museveni, who addressed 2 campaign rallies at Ruhumuro Sub-County sports grounds and at Kyeizooba Sub-County, told the people of Igara East that NRM does not engage in mere politics of propaganda but rather in purposeful politics that prioritises service delivery and emphasises truth in leadership.
He told them that they were the ones to lose if they voted an opposition candidate to Parliament because opposition MPs spend all their time and energies criticising whatever government does instead of lobbying for their constituencies and following up on their numerous areas’ development programmes.
“Don’t waste your vote because these opposition have nothing to offer. Send me NRM MPs who will support me to develop your country,” he said.
The President enumerated the NRM development plan for the crucial sectors of the economy that included the extension of electricity to all Sub-Counties in the country, building government supported primary schools in all parishes in the country and secondary schools in each sub-county in the country. He added that government will build a technical institute in each constituency throughout Uganda.
Regarding the road sector, the President said government had procured new fully fledged road units for all districts in the country noting that it was the duty of the Local Governments to work on the feeder roads while the Central Government concentrates on major national roads.
On health he said that the NRM plan is for each district to have a district hospital, each constituency a health centre 4 and each Sub-County a health centre 3. He however said that whereas government is on track as afar as ensuring service delivery, citizens need to play their roles of fighting and overcoming household poverty, which, he said, was one major challenge the country, is facing.
At the second rally in Kyeizooba Sub-County, the President urged the people of Igara East to support NRM’s Andrew Martial who worked for so long in the President’s Office.
“Support Andrew Martial. In a team, there are rules that must be followed. If you lose in the Primaries, do not stand as an Independent. You must wait for your turn. I urge all the NRM supporters to respect the rules of their team,” he emphasized.
The President reminded the voters that NRM ushered peace in Uganda and has maintained it throughout the country and that laws must be maintained. He also said that the Movement has supported the youth into leadership roles as well as ensuring that the necessary infrastructure is attended to.
President Museveni told the people of Igara East that the repair work on the Ishaka – Katunguru road is progressing adding that the Bwizibwera – Buhweju road will be built.
On issues of health, President Museveni cautioned the youth against the HIV/AIDS scourge, promiscuity and alcoholism.
NRM’s flag bearer Andrew Martial denied accusations that he had gone against the NRM stand at any time of his political career adding that the allegations were the work of his political adversaries. He pledged his loyalty to NRM and to the Movement Chairman, President Museveni.
Candidate Martial reiterated that he is fully committed to serving the people and follow to the letter all the NRM policies and guidelines.
Burahya County MP in Kabarole district and NRM Caucus Spokesperson, Hon. Margaret Muhanga called on the people of Igara East to support the Constitution Amendment to remove the Age Limit adding that they should continue supporting President Museveni.
Namutumba district Woman MP in Busiga Sub-Region, Hon. Mariam Naigaga, strongly advised the people of Igara East to vote for Andrew Martial.