Voters in Bufumbira East County, Kisoro District, have called on President Yoweri Museveni to appoint the NRM flag bearer candidate, Rose Kabagyeni, as Minister of Agriculture should she win the Kisoro Woman MP seat in the ongoing by-election. This appeal was made during party campaigns held in Chahafi, Murora, and Kanaba Subcounties in Bufumbira East.

Voters praised Kabagyeni as a dedicated, skilled, and experienced leader who was active in the 10th Parliament and has been serving as the Senior Presidential Advisor on Agriculture since 2021. They highlighted her contributions to the district, including promoting education by building schools and improving healthcare by donating mattresses and hospital beds to health centers across the district.

Meanwhile, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Senior Manager for Communication and Public Relations, Rodgers Mulindwa, commended the people of Kisoro for their support of a skilled and experienced leader for the remaining year of the current parliamentary term.

Mulindwa also expressed concerns about political divisions, discrimination, and religious and social segregation in Kisoro District. He urged Rose Kabagyeni to unite and collaborate with all the people of Kisoro.

Similarly, the Deputy National Treasurer, Jacquiline Kyatuheire, urged Kisoro voters to embrace the NRM manifesto as the best way to improve their livelihoods. She cautioned them not to be swayed by other aspiring candidates whose agendas primarily focus on individual concerns rather than public interests.

Furthermore, the Acting NRM Chairperson for the Campaign Task Force, Ramathan Ndikuyeze, addressed accusations against Kabagyeni, who was accused by some of rigging, bribing, and intimidating voters during the NRM primaries. Ndikuyeze urged the public to disregard these claims and focus on Kabagyeni’s experience and ability to serve the people of Kisoro.

Former NRM primary candidate Ndushime Silivia expressed her disappointment with independent candidates who had disregarded the President’s advice to support the NRM flag bearer after the primaries. She urged the people of Bufumbira East to unite and work together to outcompete the opposition.

In response, NRM flag bearer Rose Kabagyeni reaffirmed her commitment to continuing development projects that were left unfinished. She emphasized her focus on education, road infrastructure, and community empowerment. “I will focus on improving education, women’s empowerment, roads, the Kanyamateke Bridge, and income-generating programs,” Kabagyeni stated.

Leveraging her previous experience and deep connections with the community, Kabagyeni aims to bring continuity to development efforts and spearhead positive change for the people of Kisoro.

The by-election follows the passing of Sarah Nyirabashitsi Mateke, whose seat Kabagyeni seeks to fill.