Government speaks out amid calls to ringfence Sarah Mateke’s MP seat for sister – The Kampala Report

Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, the Minister for Information and National Guidance, clarified that all the recommended electoral processes will be followed in electing the successor to the late Sarah Mateke Nyirabashitsi, the former State Minister for Defense and Veteran Affairs.

Mateke passed away on September 7, 2024, due to a heart attack. This statement comes amid a push by some political leaders in Kisoro District to have Ruth Nyiraneza, Nyirabashitsi’s sister who resides in the United Kingdom, replace her without an election.

This move was spearheaded by Eddie Kwizera Wagahungu, the Bukimbiri County MP, and John Ninzeyimana Kamara, the Bufumbira North MP. Abel Bizimana, the Kisoro District LC5 Chairman, also supported the motion during a special district council meeting.

During Nyirabashitsi’s burial, Ninzeyimana presented Nyiraneza before Vice President Jessica Alupo, requesting her support for the proposal. The move has sparked mixed reactions.

Paul Buchana, Kisoro Municipality MP, opposed it, stating that it undermines voters’ rights to elect a leader of their choice. James Owebeyi Mugyemano, the former Bukimbiri County parliamentary contestant, also condemned the move, questioning whether the seat was being treated as a monarchy.

Dr. Baryomunsi, who is also the NRM party Vice Chairperson for the Western Region, emphasized that the NRM party would follow its guidelines and the directives of the Electoral Commission. According to him, if more than one person shows interest in the seat, the party will hold primary polls. He further stated that the NRM would organize a district party conference to discuss the election process.

He also called on those advocating for Nyiraneza to convince members of the NRM and other political parties not to run for the seat: