As the campaigns in Arua Municipality reach the climax, the mood of supporters and candidates cannot get any vigorous.
Already, key Opposition Parties and politicians have resolved to front independent candidate Kassiano Wadri – the former outspoken Terego County MP. The by-election that seeks to find a replacement for former MP Col Ibrahim Abiriga is set for this month.
Although the race is hotly contested by Mr Wadri, NRM’s Nusura Tiperu and FDC’s Bruce Musema, what cannot be ignored is the influence wielded by Dr Kizza Besigye, President Yoweri Museveni and new kid on the block Kyagulanyi Ssentamu also known as Bobi Wine.
Bobi Wine campaigns for Basalirwa in Bugiri recently
Having etched his name on the national political scene after a landslide win in the Kyadondo East MP seat, Bobi Wine went ahead to campaign for JEEMA party president Asuman Basalirwa who recently won the Bugiri Municiaplity, flooring both Besigye’s FDC and Museveni’s NRM. The Kyadondo East MP has indicated he will campaign for Mr Wadri.
Bobi Wine has also made nationwide tours drawing mammoth crowds with some encouraging him to go ahead and contest for the top political in the land.
However, Dr Besigye has warned the singer turned politician not to be misled that he can win an election against President Museveni who has ruled Uganda for over three decades.
The Opposition coalition also has former FDC President Gen Mugisha Muntu who has ditched the party candidate for Wadri.
Dr Besigye campaigning in Sheema recently
Other key personalities backing Wadri in the Arua race include Abed Bwanika, Norbert Mao, Paul Mwiru, Asuman Basalirwa among others.
The Arua municipality parliamentary seat fell vacant after the gruesome gun down of National resistance movement (NRM) MP Ibrahim Abiriga, his body guard said Kongo executed by unknown hooded men travelling on motorcycles.