Rukiga in Election Fever

19.03.2010

Due to the death of Samwiri Byanagwa (NRM) Rukiga County is going to elect a new MP. There is running a big battle between the ruling National Resistance Movement and the opposition Forum for Democratic Change (FDC). Four candidates have been nominated for the election. One from the NRM – Adison Kakuru, one from the FDC – Jack Sabiiti and two independents.

After a few conversations with people here in Muhanga I have the feeling that most of them will vote Jack Sabiiti and they really want him to be the next MP. Apparently, he has been the one who installed a gravity water system in many parts of Rukiga as well as electricity.
My host-mammy argued that he is a hard working man and that the other candidates are just promising their support for making money. But Jack is in opposition, that’s why she believes that he would not win the election. Before the last elections in 2006 Jack has been locked in his house and also during this election campaign some agents of Jack has been attacked.

Since I am here in Muhanga, several election rallies took place. I have attended two of them with my host-mommy. She is very active in supporting Jack. Even a meeting in her house has been arranged with about 15 people, Jack included. However I miss most of the information because the only language which is spoken in this context is Ankole Rukiga (unfortunately my host-mammy does not translate a lot for me), but even so, it is very interesting for me to be part of these happenings.

Today, Mr. President Museveni personally has been on election campaign in Kabale for his candidate. Hours before his arrival, the main street in Muhanga has been guarded by the police. The whole morning people have been very fevered and waited with bated breath for their president. Ultimately, he arrived in Muhanga with a convoy of about 15 cars (amongst 4 military vehicles and one ambulance). I think almost all residents of Muhanga Town have been on the street. They stopped by the road and Museveni orated through the sunroof of the car for about 15 minutes. As the convoy continued to the next village, they have passed all the people… I think I have been the only Mzungu… even Museveni recongnized me and waved to me… and I waved back!

I am really curious how these elections will develop… but I think I am not the only one!

P.S.: I asked someone if I am allowed to take a picture… he answered with a strict voice to leave my camera in my bag… otherwise I will be arrested. So, I did not have to courage to take a picture.