An electoral showdown in Rukungiri just got a Christmas Day sermon. The political fight in the municipality is superheated, with Henry Tumukunde facing a tough challenge from opposition candidate Ingrid Turinawe Kamateneti of the People's Front for Freedom. The whole race is tangled up with anger over the jailing of veteran opposition leader Kizza Besigye, a native of the Kigezi region, held at Luzira Prison on charges of threatening security and the president. Bishop Onesmus Asiimwe of North Kigezi made a rare public move, calling both rivals to the altar at Kinyansano Cathedral on Christmas. He told them to keep their campaigns peaceful.
Besigye's detention has become a major issue, firing up anti-government feelings that could help Kamateneti by pushing protest votes against the ruling NRM party. President Museveni sent Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa and Security Minister Jim Muhwezi to talk to local leaders, but it has not calmed things down. At the church, Bishop Asiimwe warned that the rivalry must not turn violent, saying elections are not war. Both candidates pledged to maintain peace. Tumukunde thanked the church and even asked for prayers for Besigye, while challenging Kamateneti to work together after the elections, no matter who wins. Kamateneti said her campaign has faced intimidation and that the Besigye situation has deepened emotions, but promised her supporters would stay disciplined. The event highlighted how Besigye's imprisonment is shaping a fierce local race.
Besigye's detention has become a major issue, firing up anti-government feelings that could help Kamateneti by pushing protest votes against the ruling NRM party. President Museveni sent Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa and Security Minister Jim Muhwezi to talk to local leaders, but it has not calmed things down. At the church, Bishop Asiimwe warned that the rivalry must not turn violent, saying elections are not war. Both candidates pledged to maintain peace. Tumukunde thanked the church and even asked for prayers for Besigye, while challenging Kamateneti to work together after the elections, no matter who wins. Kamateneti said her campaign has faced intimidation and that the Besigye situation has deepened emotions, but promised her supporters would stay disciplined. The event highlighted how Besigye's imprisonment is shaping a fierce local race.
