Kisoro, Uganda
With only days remaining until the Kisoro District Woman Member of Parliament by-election, the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) is emerging as a major contender.
Their candidate, Mable Ngabire, has electrified supporters with her robust campaign, aiming to capture the seat vacated by the late Hon. Sarah Nyirabashitsi Mateke, who served as MP and State Minister for Defense before her sudden passing from a heart attack in September 2024.
The by-election is set for November 14, drawing a diverse field of six candidates and a fervent political atmosphere.
The candidates include; Mable Ngabire (UPC), Rose Kabageni (NRM), Juliet Musanasa (FDC), Aisha Cyimpaye (PPP), Grace Akifeza Ngabirano (Independent) and Zubeda Sultana Tana Salim (NUP)
Ngabire has sparked enthusiasm with her campaign slogan, “A New Vision for Kisoro,” focusing on unity, empowerment, and economic growth.
She has promised targeted initiatives for women and youth, better healthcare, and development through agriculture and trade, drawing substantial crowds and signaling the UPC’s growing influence.
The UPC has seen recent success in other by-elections, especially in Lango Subregion, a traditional UPC stronghold.
Notably, UPC’s Aguti Sarah triumphed in Dokolo District’s Woman MP by-election in March, winning nearly half the votes with 48.85%.
In Oyam County North, UPC candidate Eunice Otuko Apio narrowly edged out NRM’s Samuel Engola Okello, cementing the party’s resurgence.
These victories have reinvigorated UPC’s national strategy, showcasing its appeal beyond established bases.
Ngabire has pledged to advocate for grassroots issues and foster opportunities, resonating with many in Kisoro.
“Our people deserve a voice that understands their needs, their struggles, and their hopes,” she declared at a rally, emphasizing her commitment to transformative leadership.
While Ngabire has gained traction, the NRM’s Rose Kabageni remains a formidable challenger, vowing to build on Mateke’s development agenda.
FDC’s Juliet Musanasa, NUP’s Zubeda Sultana Tana Salim, and others are also leveraging strong party backing and policies tailored to local concerns.
The November 14 vote is seen as a test of UPC’s expanding reach. A victory in Kisoro, traditionally a less prominent UPC territory, would signify new support for the party in southwestern Uganda.
Political analysts, including Dr. John Tumwebaze, view this election as a potential pivot point in Uganda’s political landscape, revealing shifting voter sentiments as the next general election approaches.
