MITOOMA, UGANDA – Mitooma district NRM chairman Benon Karyeija has confirmed that he is backing independent candidates Juliet Bashisha and Captain Mugabe Dononzio Kahonda, despite the party’s flag bearers being Hon Kyarampe Rabeeca and Hon Arthur Kazoora.
Karyeija, who lost the NRM primary to District Speaker Moses Tumwekwatse, insists that Bashisha and Kahonda are NRM members and not violating any party law.
Karyeija cited the example of Maj Gen Kahinda Otafiire, who contested as an independent in 2016 against Kahonda and lost, but was not removed from the race by the president. He emphasized that independents have a right to stand, quoting the president’s stance.
Bashisha, currently serving her first term as Mitooma district woman MP, lost the NRM primary to Hon Kyarampe Rabecca, citing irregularities. She has been a strong presence in Mitooma, and her declaration as an independent candidate has attracted support from rivals’ camps, including some who previously backed other candidates.
Bashisha’s strength in Mitooma is attributed to her close ties with 11th parliament deputy speaker Thomas Tayebwa, who served as her personal assistant. She entered parliament in 2021, defeating Hon Jovah Kamateka, the first woman MP for Mitooma district.
