By Twesigye Aggrey
in Mbarara—–
www.mknewslink.com
The Igara west member of parliament, Louis Gafa Mbwatekamwa, who is seeking the mbarara city mayoral seat on the NRM ticket, has accused fellow aspirants of plotting to derail his nomination.
Addressing his supporters at the mbarara city bus park this week, Mbwatekamwa claimed that Jovia Saleh—wife to Gen. Salim Saleh—and fellow contender Seith Murari had petitioned the NRM Electoral Commission Chairperson, Dr. Tanga Odoi, arguing that he does not reside in the city and lacks property within its boundaries.
“They are saying I don’t belong to Mbarara, that I have no property here. That is a lie,” Mbwatekamwa told the cheering crowd. “I am a registered voter in Rwizi Cell, and I meet all the requirements to run for mayor.”
He accused the duo of using underhanded tactics to edge him out of the race. “They are scared of my popularity, so they’re resorting to smear campaigns and baseless petitions,” he said.
Mbwatekamwa reaffirmed his commitment to the race, warning that he will not back down even if denied the NRM flag. “If the party fails to give me the ticket, I will go independent. Let the people of Mbarara decide who leads them—not a few individuals in dark rooms,” he declared.
The mayoral contest in mbarara city has so far attracted eight candidates, all seeking to end the decade-long tenure of incumbent mayor Robert Mugabe Kakyebezi.