By our reporter
In a surprising turn of events during the Kisoro District Woman Member of Parliament by-election for the National Resistance Movement (NRM), Akifeza Grace Ngabirano, has come under scrutiny for utilizing a United Nations Range Rover, with plate number UN 079 RB, for her campaign activities. This revelation raises questions about potential violations of political neutrality by the UN.
Last week, 13 candidates were nominated to compete in the NRM primaries, reflecting a robust interest in maintaining the party’s dominance in the region. Among the contenders is Sylvia Dushime Agaba, Winfred Faith Igiraneze, Jemimah Irankunda, former Kisoro Woman MP Rose Kabagyeni, who currently serves as a senior presidential advisor on agriculture, Blessed Kitentere, Irene Mahirwe, Hellen Mbonye, Fancy Bredah Nirere, and Louise Niyikiza.
Ngabirano’s choice to campaign using a UN vehicle, part of a larger convoy seen traversing the area, has led to allegations of improper interference in Uganda’s internal politics.
Critics argue that this could contravene the UN’s mandate of impartiality in political affairs, raising concerns about the implications of such actions on the election process.
As the campaign intensifies, local leaders and voters are closely monitoring the situation, pondering the ethical ramifications of foreign vehicles being employed in local elections.
There is an allegation of the candidate dishing out money to the voters which leaves questions of whether she is funded by the UN.
The upcoming NRM primaries will be pivotal for the party’s influence in Kisoro, making Ngabirano’s choice of campaign logistics all the more contentious.
