The National Resistance Movement (NRM) Electoral Commission has halted the party primaries for the Hoima Woman Parliamentary race.
The chairperson of the NRM Electoral Commission Dr Tanga Odoi told journalists this morning that the elections were halted after sparks of violence between supporters of the area MP, Ms Harriet Businge and her main challenger, Ms Beatrice Wembabazi.
Ms Wembabazi was allegedly attacked by Ms Businge’s team at Kiryatete village in Kigorobya sub-county last week while returning from Runga landing site where she had gone to consult voters. Preliminary information indicates that the fight started after Ms Businge’s driver, Henry Gama blocked the road, stopping Ms Wembabazi from crossing through.
The aspirant who is still in a coma sustained severe injuries on the head, chest and stomach while the driver Mr Julius Birungi sustained injuries on the head. The two were rushed to EDPA medical clinic in Hoima for treatment.
However, Ms Wembabazi was referred to Mulago National Referral Hospital when her condition deteriorated last week on Wednesday.
Now Dr Odoi says his office cannot allow elections to continue when one of the candidates is in critical condition. He says his office is investigating the matter and will come up with a final decision. Dr Odoi also questions why Gama, who is said to be at the centre of the attack, is still at large.
“I wrote a letter on Monday to the candidates halting the elections until further notice. The campaigns cannot go on when one of the candidates in the race is in critical condition. We need first to get a solution,’’ Dr Odoi said.
Hoima Resident District Commissioner Mr Samuel Kisembo, says that he received a copy of Dr Odoi’s letter halting the NRM primary elections for the women’s’ race.
Ms Businge, the incumbent Woman MP also confirmed receipt of the letter.
NRM party primaries are set to be held on September 4, 2020, across the country.
