The Electoral Commission has set the date of the most rapidly required by-election in Uganda, after Kyagulanyi Ssentamu Robert also known as Bobi Wine, defied his idol, former FDC leader and presidential flagbearer Dr. Kizza Besigye, saying “I am standing for Member of Parliament as an independent candidate.”
Bobi Wine from last week attracted criticism from opposition circles, after complaining about Ugandans being “frustrated by a politics that is controlled by a handful of people and has shut us all out, ” on his campaign announcement.
Furious FDC party officials later confirmed that Bobi Wine had refused to step aside for the party’s recoognised flagbearer and ‘dethroned’ incumbent Mr Apollo Kantinti, a case that would make the opposition vote get spilt.
When asked about the plans he has for the people of Kyadondo East constituency, the local singer said once elected to Parliament, the electorate will have a voice that speak on their behalf.
He added that incase his voice is not heard, at least he can resort to singing on floor of Parliament and that may sink his message to the concerned authorities.
The seat fell vacant after both the Court of Appeal and the lower High Court nullified the election of Mr Apollo Kantinti on grounds that the Electoral Commission did not comply with electoral laws.
Both courts ordered the electoral body to organise fresh elections in the constituency. Mr William Sitenda Sebalu who was the runner up in the February 18, 2016 election and lost to Mr Kantinti by a margin of 326 votes successfully petitioned in both courts.
Today, it was revealed that the Kyadondo East by-election would take place on June 26
Nominations will open on May 30 and 31 while campaigns start on June 2 to June 23.
It is understood that former FDC president, Dr Kizza Besigye despite being a close friend to the singer is likely to Katinti who has the party ticket.
Meanwhile, May 18, 2017 was also chosen as the date for Toroma County by-election to replace Cyrus Amodoi Imalingat who weeks ago diead in a motor accident. Eight candidates were nominated to contest in the exercise.
