Kabbyanga pledges support to Kiyonga

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Godfrey Kabbyanga, the state Minister for ICT and National Guidance, has accepted the outcomes of the recently concluded National Resistance Movement (NRM) party polls and pledged to rally behind Dr Chrispus Kiyonga, the Makerere University Chancellor, who harvested more votes than his.

The two political giants in the Rwenzori region were both vying for the NRM flag bearer of the Bukonzo West Parliamentary seat, which also attracted Milton Wangalima, a local resident.

Speaking to the New Vision on July 19, at his Rusese based residence located in Mpondwe- Lhubiriha town council of Kasese District, Kabbyanga, who garnered 10,218 less of Kiyonga's 19,965, congratulated him with a call for their supporters to ensure unity, harmony and teamwork, should they want to win the 2026 general elections.

"The battle ahead is not a simple one. People should celebrate responsibly without annoying anyone," Kabbyanga said.

The ICT Junior Minister, who regretted seeing Bukonzo West county in the hands of Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) for the last ten years, emphasised that irresponsible celebrations might entice NRM members, especially those who had accorded him support to vote for the opposition in the general elections.

"Because the celebrations might injure some people, then we face regrettably repercussions," Kabbyanga said.

"But as for me, who has been in the race, will make sure that we build cohesion and I will equally support every NRM candidate in the entire district to ensure that they emerge winners of the 2026 general elections, but importantly, the president," he added.

Kabbyanga's worry

Kabbyanga disclosed that out of 70,000 NRM registered voters, about 32,000 turned up to vote in last Thursday's polls, less than the 34,000 that the FDC's Atkins Katusabe garnered in the 2021 general elections, adding that extensive efforts are needed to call upon more NRM members to participate in the election activities.

"Because if we have 70,000 NRM voters, where are the rest? We have to be very careful not to lose to the opposition again," Kabbyanga said.

He emphasised that there is a need for civic education in the entire country among the masses by the Electoral Commission and other stakeholders about the importance of voting to enable them to vote for potential candidates that will transform their communities.

"Bukonzo West county has 110,000 voters, of which 70,000 subscribe to the NRM and the rest are 40,000. Where does the 80,000 belong?" Kabbyanga said.