KIBAALE: Finance minister and Buyanja County MP Matia Kasaija has been declared unopposed after his rival, Paul Kyalimpa, an Independent, withdrew from the race.
The communication was issued by the Electoral Commission (EC) on the recommendation of Kibaale District Returning Officer, Opeto Aggrey James.
“I Ipeto Aggrey James being the Returning Officer for KIBAALE Electorate District, in accordance with the Parliamentary Elections Act, Section 19A 2005 [as amended], hereby declare HON. MATIA KASAIJA (NRM) elected UNOPPOSED as We Directly Elected Member of Parliament for Buyanja County In Kibaale Electoral District,” his declaration form reads.
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“ Please refer to the attached copy of the withdraw letter and the Declaration by the Returning Officer of Hon. Matia Kasaija as Unopposed for Buyama County in Kibaale Electoral District,” Mr Opeto said in a letter to EC date November 7.
Kyalimpa pulled out of the race after the recent directive by the President Yoweri Museveni to have him appointed as Deputy Director Uganda Investment Authority.
In a letter seen by Dailypost Uganda, Museveni directed Finance Minister, Matia Kasaija to appoint his Political rival with immediate effect.
It’s believed that Minister Kasaija lobbed President Museveni to allow him recruit Mr Kyalimpa into the investment authority to avoid any Political embarrassments in the near future something which Museveni adhered to.
“This is to authorize you to go ahead with the recruitment process and have the candidate appointed, if found suitable” reads excerpt of Museveni’s directive.
This brings to nine the number of NRM parliamentary flag bearers who have already sailed through unopposed even before the general elections .
These include ; Gyavira Ssemwanga (Buyamba County ) ,Enock Nyongore (Nakaseke North) , Hilaly Lokwang (Ik County) , Pius Wakabi (Bugahya County ,Emely Kugonza (Buyanja East ), Anita Among (Bukedea Woman) and Lilian Paparu (Vura Woman)