The opposition in Bugiri is deeply divided as two opposition heavy-weights; Asumani Basalirwa (JEEMA president) takes on FDC’s Eunice Namatende in the Bugiri Municipality By-election. The stand-off between JEEMA and FDC comes after the two parties failed to agree on single flag bearer.
According to FDC, they fronted Ms Namatende because she is the party’s flag bearer and also best suited to win the seat. In the February 18, 2016 elections, Ms Namatende contested for the post of District Woman MP while JEEMA’s Basalirwa went for the Bukooli County seat. But while Ms Namatende got a total of 4,700 votes in Bugiri, Basalirwa got 300 votes.
The race has got an interesting twist after Kyadondo East’s popular Independent legislator, Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine declared his support for JEEMA president Basalirwa while Kizza Besigye and FDC officials are expected to campaign for their candidate.
“As I’ve always said, whoever stands for equal rights and Justice is a friend & comrade. So it’s on the same grounds that we shall be coming to #BugiriMunicipality soon to support our comrade in the struggle Counsel Asumani Basaalirwa of JEEMA”, part of Bobi Wine’s Facebook post read.
There are fears in the opposition camp that they might lose the seat to the ruling party.