Amidst anxious supporters who had converged at the Changsha Primary School tally centre Entebbe Municipality NRM electoral commission Boss Paul Wasike declared veteran councilor Rose Tumusiime as the 2016 Member of Parliament Flag bearer for the NRM Party at midnight. Rose Tumusiime polled 987 votes to beat eight other aspirants in a stiff race that had proved hard to predict.
Her experience in NRM Party politics as a veteran councilor and humble character have been her strength in the heated Party primaries that finally came to pass on Thursday.
While other NRM Councilors lost to Democratic Party candidates in the 2011 general elections she is among the five NRM councilors who survived the massive uprooting. Other NRM Councilors who retained their positions are Peninah Kabenge, Modesta Tezityabiiri, Rebecca Nasamba and Jimmy Mutabazi.
“It’s because of her personality and down to earth character that have enabled her win the race. She is a humble and approachable person and I haven’t heard her abuse or insult anyone” one of Rose Tumusiime’s diehard supporters revealed.
“Rose Tumusiime has been in the NRM party politics since 1989 when she was elected RCI Kitoro central, in 1991 she was voted RCIII Division B and co-currently served as Mpigi District Women Councilor. In 2001 she was elected as directly elected LCIV Councilor Nakasamba, Kitasa, Kakeeka and Bugonga a position she has held up to date.
Her role in the Anglican Church has also had a big influence in her victory. She has served in St. John’s church as head of Laity Entebbe Archdeaconry from 2006 to 2014, chairperson Mothers Union and she is a historical member of the church together with her late husband. Because of her strong base in the church she earned herself a sympathy vote.
Her late husband’s record (Edward Tumusiime) as a bush war veteran and a politician who served as LCV Councilor Division A Entebbe Municipality for several years also earned her a sympathy vote. He was a highly respected political figure in Entebbe. Since his demise other widows have identified with her.
Rose Tumusiime Speaks Out On Victory:
Rose Tumusiime thanked her supporters for their efforts and sacrifices.
“I would like thank all of you for your effort and sacrifices. Our role is to unite everybody in the NRM House. We need the support of those who have lost because we have a huge task ahead of us. I call upon all those who have lost to join hands with us to ensure that Entebbe returns to the NRM come Next year” she told her jovial supporters.
“We have won the ‘league’ but I want to urge you (supporters) to remain calm and avoid confronting the losers. Let’s maintain the friendship” she stressed.
Rose Tumusiime will face off with DP’s Kakembo Michael in next year’s polls.
How Other MP Aspirants Faired.
In second position was former Nkumba University Guild President Madina Zalwango garnered 821 votes. Many NRM Supporters contend that Madina would have won the race had she sought her vote in the senior citizens.
“She only campaigned among the youth and forgot about the senior citizens. She had a very good campaign message but she has to grow through the party ranks so that NRM Members gain confidence in her” an NRM Member stressed.
Former Presidential advisor on Environmental matters Patience Mubangizi came third in the race with 672 votes. This was her second time giving a shot at the parliamentary seat. She lost Muhammad Kawuma in the 2011 general elections. Charles Kirumira finished in fourth place with 565 votes while former Rwampara Member of parliament Hon. Amon Muzoora Reeves finished in fifth place with 484 votes. Both Muzoora and Kirumira are giving a second shot at the parliamentary seat. Peace Salamuka Bihingiro polled 364 votes to finish in sixth place while Retired UPDF Soldier Maj. Julius Rubamhibya took seventh place with 270 votes. Wakaimah Lwanga Musisi and Hakim Magoomu finished in eighth and ninth positions with 210 and 177 votes respectively.
Ex-Division B Chairman Joseph Ssesanga Wins NRM Flag Bearer Mayoral Race:
Former Division B chairman Joseph Ssesanga will face off Kayanja Vincent DePaul in the 2016 elections. He polled 2473 to beat his rival Musiitwa Herbert and Mpanuuka Ruth who polled 1507 and 489 votes respectively.
Dark Patches in the Elections:
Though the electoral process was largely calm with no incident. The process that was scheduled to start at 10pm only began at midday due to the early morning downpour. Police deployed heavily to quell any chaos and violence during and after the primaries.
