Opposition parties propose joint candidate for Amuru by-election
Ms Jane Frances Amongin Okilli is congratulated by her supporters on Monday after she was nominated to participate in the NRM primaries ahead of the Amuru Woman MP by-election. PHOTO BY CISSY MAKUMBI
What you need to know:
The Opposition is still deliberating on who to front for the seat that fell vacant after Ms Betty Bigombe resigned.
Kampala/Amuru- Opposition political parties are in talks to front a joint candidate in the upcoming Amuru Woman MP by-election slated for November 20.
This was revealed by the Uganda Young Democrats at a press conference in Kampala on Tuesday.
The post fell vacant after former MP Betty Bigombe resigned to take up a UN job.
Mr Gerald Silanda, the Uganda Young Democrats (UYD) National Executive Council (NEC) representative, said a single candidate was plausible.
“The Opposition is still deliberating on whom to represent us for Amuru seat. It is a test in our preparation for the forthcoming general elections,” Mr Silanda said.
He urged Opposition parties and those who want change in the country’s leadership to embrace unity by fronting one candidate against the ruling NRM party flag bearer.
They hope to emulate the feat in Luweero District where DP’s Brenda Nabukenya defeated the NRM candidate with the backing of all Opposition parties.
Mr Joseph Bbosa, the Uganda Peoples Congress vice president, said they were ready to join a strong-united front.
“As UPC, we have fronted Ms Grace Auma Okello to be nominated in the meeting in Gulu,” he said.
Mr John Kikonyogo, the FDC spokesperson, said his party would wait for what the summit of Opposition party leaders will decide.
“We are waiting for the resolution in the meeting which was held on Tuesday in Gulu with the Opposition leaders,” he said.
FDC president Mugisha Muntu, DP’s Norbert Mao and UPC’s Olara Otunnu attended the meeting, Mr Kikonyogo said.
Meanwhile, the NRM electoral commission on Monday disqualified, Ms Caroline Aber from contesting in the party primaries.
The party’s electoral commission vice chairperson, Prof Elijah Mushemeza, said Ms Aber had not been endorsed by the NRM grassroot structures.
Ms Aber, however, vowed to run on Independent ticket.
Others who did not make it are female youth councillor for Amuru also secretary production, Ms Jane Nakku and the LC5 woman councillor for Atiak Sub-county, Ms Josephine Atim.
The duo did not resign their positions before contesting in the primaries.
