As the 2016 general elections draw closer, political aspirants across the country have embarked on secret campaigns to woo voters. In Entebbe the political temperatures are rising with aspirants both from the ruling National resistance Movement party and the opposition Democratic Party and Forum For Democratic Change drawing battle lines.
The National Resistance Movement which is seeking to bounce back from the 2011 massive defeat to the Democratic Party is proving to be a hotbed for political tensions with close to 8 candidates vying for the parliamentary position. The aspirants who have expressed interest in the parliamentary position include Presidential Advisor on Environmental matters Patience Mubangizi, Maj. (Rtd) Julius Rubamhibya, former Rwampara MP Amon Muzoora Reeves, former Nkumba University Guild President Madina Zalwango, Former Flight Engineer Charles Kirumira, Peace Salamuka and Rose Tumusiime an LCIV Councillor representing Bugonga, Nakasamba and Kitasa wards and communication strategist working for the Burundi Government Brad Fabrice Rulinda who only joined the race less than two months ago. Chris Ssebuliba and Obonyo Festo withdrew from the race much earlier with sources close to Ssebuliba indicating that he landed a juicy job in Buganda Kingdom as commissioner for Tourism and officially quit the race.
Within a short time Fabrice Rulinda has been able to sell his candidature across the residents leaving other aspirants with no choice but to soil his name. At 30 he is the youngest of all the aspirants and he has been able to weaken Patience Mubangizi who was favorite to win the NRM party Primaries. Sherry Kalyebara Mubangizi’s former campaign strategist and aspiring LCV Women Councilor crossed to his camp. Sources close to Kalyebara told entebbenews that because Mubangizi is abusive and has clashed with some of her opponents including Muzoora, Rose Tumusiime and Peace Salamuka, she decided to defect to better her chances to become LCV Women Councilor.
“She tried her best to advice Mubangizi to stop her abusiveness but she couldn’t listen to her. She therefore decided to defect to Fabrice’s camp because he is new on the political scene and his image isn’t tainted at all by scandals or fights” a source intimated.
Peace Salamuka who had earlier aspired to be LCV Women Councilor and was part of Patience Mubangizi’s campaign team broke ranks with her and decided to aspire for the Parliamentary Position. Sources close to the two NRM Party diehards indicated that Salamuka bitterly fell out with Mubangizi after they developed a misunderstanding.
Other notable figures who have defected to Fabrice’s camp from Mubangizi’s camp is Dr. David Kiggundu her campaign strategist in Kigungu who crossed earlier this month. Ssebuliba’s supporters have also shifted their loyalty to Fabrice and are part of his campaign team. Other NRM Party supporters had vowed to vote for DP’s Kakembo Michael but have since abandoned their plans and joined Fabrice’s camp.
What has given Fabrice the lead among all other candidates is the fact that he combines two important factors. Firstly he has the resources to mobilize support for his candidature and secondly he has the message. He has been able to empower the youth, women and other groups including donating to church and Muslim projects with his resource envelope. His message is about working with everybody regardless of tribe and religious affiliation to uplift the quality of life of the people of Entebbe. Right from the time he bounced on the political scene he has also avoided petty squabbles.
As a result top National Resistance Movement Party leaders and religious denominations in Entebbe have endorsed him and are clandestinely campaigning for him.
In the opposition the contest will be between Mayor Kayanja’s Political Assistant Michael Kakembo ‘Mbwatekamwa’ and former KLM Cargo Airline official Walusimbi Abubaker all from the Democratic Party. Archilles Kiwanuka also from the Democratic Party and FDC’s Gitta Alex are under-dogs who will have to convince their supporters more if they hope to win the 2016 parliamentary elections.
The contest that would have been between Patience Mubangizi (NRM) and Kakembo Michael (DP) as their party flag bearers has been altered by Fabrice Rulinda who is now the favorite to win the NRM Party primaries. Is Fabrice Rulinda the NRM Savior in Entebbe ahead of the 2016 polls? Only time will tell.
