Kiruhura candidate has one leg in NRM, another in NUP

Mugizi Jonan is stuck at crossroads between NRM and NUP. Courtesy photo

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | After several meetings with the National Resistance Movement-NRM leaders in Kiruhura district, Jonan Mugizi, the National Unity Platform-NUP candidate in the district made two concessions: to appreciate the NRM candidate Yoweri Kaguta Museveni as a good leader and to never welcome NUP presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi who campaigned in the district on December 22.

Mugizi, a candidate for the Kitura sub-county district councilor’s slot was approached by NRM leaders and convinced to abandon NUP. But he said that although he had no problem with the request, he was already a candidate endorsed by NUP to contest for the seat.

“I had no problem with it. But I am already a flag bearer in NUP. I am still in NUP,” Mugizi said in response to a request by NRM leaders to abandon NUP and rejoin the ruling party.

But this concession did not come free of charge. A source says prior to Bobi Wine’s campaign in Kiruhura district, those viewed to be his vocal supporters in the district agreed to be paid not to welcome him. Bobi Wine wasn’t allowed to stop in Kiruhura. Instead, he was escorted out of the district by police and UPDF soldiers.