When the NRM Party CEC ring-fenced the vacant EALA seat for Buganda region, many thought that Hon Godfrey Kiwanda would automatically be chosen the successful candidate.
But much to the surprise of many when the NRM Parliamentary caucus convened at Kololo to elect the EALA representative instead James Kakooza emerged winner with 93 votes while Kiwanda polled 85 votes . So why did Kiwanda lose the race . Several MPs attributed the out of the elections to CEC’s refusal to handpick a single candidate and they sent six candidates for the elections.
“Kiwanda had confidence in CEC to select him as a solo candidate . But CEC feared legal battles That would come out of such a decision. Besides they were other popular candidate like Ambrose Murangira on the disability ticket and has been living in Wakiso for over 20yrs who were persuaded to give way ,” the MPs explained.
This meant that Kiwanda had to tussle it out with the six other candidates . Many MPs did not agree with the idea that whatever they do has to first be endorsed by CEC even on elections for one vacant seat . Kiwanda was seen as the CEC preferred candidate and many MPs voted against that , MPs who declined to be named stated .
