Five out of 13 candidates contesting to replace fallen Sarah Mateke Nyirabashitsi, Kisoro district woman Member of Parliament on the National Resistance Movement ticket have withdrawn from the race.
The candidates withdrew day after holding a meeting with President Yoweri Museveni at State House Entebbe on Sunday.
The meeting for harmonising to have the rest of the candidates step down reportedly failed to yield the desired result.
Museveni reportedly advised that another meeting be held on Monday by the party stakeholders.
On Monday afternoon, Dr. Tang Odoi, the NRM party Electoral Commission Chairman released a statement about the withdrawal of the five.
Odoi listed the candidates that have withdrawn from the race as Slyvia Dushime, Louise Niyikiriza, Allen Nkurikiye, Aphia Nyiramahoro and Eva Twizere.
Those who are still in the race include Rose Kabagyeni, the Senior Presidential Advisor on Agriculture, Brenda Fancy Nirere, Grace Ngabirano Akifeza, Hellen Mbonye, Faith Winfred Igiraneza, Jemimah Irankunda, Blessed Kitentera and Irene Mahirwe.
The NRM party has set October 25, 2024 as the polling date for the flag bearer.
The Independent Electoral Commission has fixed November 14, 2024 as the official date to hold the by-election.
The seat fell vacant after the death of Nyirabashitsi who was also the State Minister for State Minister for Defense and Veteran Affairs on September 7, 2024. She died after suffering a heart attack.
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