By KT Reporter
The Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) flag-bearer for Member of Parliament in Isingiro North Constituency, Anthony Rutahweire, has refuted allegations that he has withdrawn from the race.
Rutahweire was duly nominated by the Electoral Commission to compete against the incumbent Member of Parliament and NRM party flag-bearer, Bright Rwamirama.
However, in November, he was summoned by the Electoral Commission tribunal following a petition by a concerned resident who accused him of forging signatures in support of his nomination.
Speaking to Uganda Radio Network on Saturday, Rutahweire said he does not agree with the information circulating on social media that announced Rwamirama as unopposed.
On Saturday, around 4:00 PM, photos and information circulated on several social media platforms showing a letter declaring the Minister of Animal Husbandry, Bright Rwamirama, unopposed.
The letter states: “I, Julius Arinaitwe Rubagano, being the Returning Officer of Isingiro Electoral District, in pursuance of Section 37 of the Parliamentary Elections Act, Cap. 177, declare Bright Rwamirama Kanyontore unopposed as a directly elected Member of Parliament for Isingiro North Electoral Area.
Rutahweire has challenged the Electoral Commission Chairperson, Justice Simon Byabakama Mugenyi, to provide evidence of the tribunal’s ruling on the petition filed against him, or proof of a letter showing that he withdrew from the race.
“They summoned me, and I appeared, but I have never seen the ruling. I’m just surprised to see my competitor being announced unopposed. Also, the letter declaring him is dated the 9th. Why was it delayed and released over the weekend? I only saw it today on social media,” he said.
He added that he was legitimately nominated after collecting 24 signatures from seconders, describing the petition against him as an unsuccessful attempt to disqualify him.
The Electoral Commission’s declaration of Rwamirama follows the disqualification of other contenders, including Ankunda Best Arnold of the PFF, Sharif Ntanda (independent), and James King, who had contested as an independent after losing to Rwamirama in the NRM party primaries.
King was disqualified for lack of academic qualifications, while others were accused of forging the signatures of their seconders, despite initially being nominated.
Julius Mucunguzi, the public relations officer of the Electoral Commission, could not be reached for comment as his phone went unanswered.
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