By Flavia Ajok
Four candidates have been officially nominated to contest for the Hoima Woman Member of Parliament (MP) seat.
The nominees are Harriet Businge Mugenyi, the incumbent MP running as an independent, Beatrice Wembabazi, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) flagbearer, Suzan Asiimwe, and Vennah Mulindwa of the National Unity Platform (NUP).
The nominations took place on Wednesday morning under the supervision of Hassan Takwana, the Hoima District Returning Officer. Businge, who lost in the NRM Party primaries, opted to run on an independent ticket, selecting a clock as her campaign symbol.
She declared her independent candidacy, citing irregularities during the NRM primaries, including intimidation of her agents, acts of violence, and alleged vote rigging. She stated that she is well-prepared to defend her seat in the general elections, noting that she has already mobilised support and has several ongoing development projects in Hoima that she intends to continue.
Beatrice Wembabazi emphasised her commitment to transforming the health and education sectors, lobbying for youth employment, and addressing corruption within district departments. Vennah Mulindwa of the NUP highlighted women’s empowerment as a key focus of her campaign, promising initiatives to improve the well-being of women across Hoima.
Suzan Asiimwe pledged to prioritise effective service delivery, with specific attention to agriculture, education, road infrastructure, and healthcare.
In September, NRM First National Vice Chairman Al-Hajji Moses Kigongo visited Hoima, urging all candidates who lost in the primaries and returned as independents to step down in favour of the party’s flagbearers. He warned that such candidates risk breaching party guidelines and manifesto commitments, and that the NRM would actively work to ensure their defeat in the general elections.
