Campaigns for the Kisoro District Woman Member of Parliament seat have officially commenced, igniting a competitive race among candidates. Six contenders are vying for the position: Rose Kabagyeni from the National Resistance Movement (NRM), independent candidate Grace Ngabirano Akifeza, Musanase Juliet from the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Najjanankumbi faction, Aisha Chimpaye of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Sultana Salim Tana representing the National Unity Platform (NUP), and Meble Ingabire from the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC).
Voters are vocalizing their demands, with a strong emphasis on infrastructure improvements. Residents such as Henry Atwebembere of Mutugunda village and Siman Nibajimana and Richard Ndikumwami from Nkuringo town council have called for the rehabilitation of dilapidated roads that hinder effective transport. They also highlight the need for equitable distribution of electricity to rural areas and the extension of network boosters to enhance communication in the digital age.
Campaigns, which began on Monday, are scheduled to conclude on September 12, according to the Electoral Commission roadmap, with voting slated for September 14. The seat became vacant following the death of Sarah Mateke Nyirabashitsi, former Kisoro Woman MP and State Minister for Defense and Veteran Affairs, who passed away on September 7, 2024, due to a heart attack.