A proposal by a section of political leaders to front Ruth Nyiraneza as the replacement for the late Sarah Mateke Nyirabashitsi, the former Kisoro District Woman Member of Parliament has fallen through after Nyiraneza declined to express interest in the seat.
Following Nyirabashitsi’s death on September 7, 2024, due to a heart attack, some political leaders from Kisoro, led by Eddie Kwizera Wagahungu, Bukimbiri County MP, and John Ninzeyimana Kamara, Bufumbira North MP, began advocating for her sister to replace her without a formal election.
Ruth Nyiraneza, who resides in the United Kingdom, was suggested as a candidate during Nyirabashitsi’s funeral. Abel Bizimana, Kisoro District LC5 Chairman, echoed the same proposal during a special district council meeting held in tribute to the late Nyirabashitsi, which other leaders seconded.
During the burial service, Ninzeyimana presented Nyiraneza to Vice President Jessica Alupo, who represented President Yoweri Museveni and requested her support in ensuring the move succeeded. The proposal triggered mixed reactions among Kisoro residents and politicians, with many opposing it because it undermined the electorate’s right to choose a leader and questioned whether the seat was being treated as a monarchy.
After the burial, it emerged that Nyiraneza declined to pick up nomination forms and returned to the UK. Her known mobile phone numbers have since been unreachable. When contacted on Monday evening, Wagahungu, one of the leaders spearheading the move, confirmed that Nyiraneza had not expressed interest in contesting for the seat due to personal reasons.
However, he dismissed concerns about her decision, stating that more than 10 candidates have already picked nomination forms to contest for the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party flag.
The NRM party has scheduled October 25, 2024, as the polling date for selecting the party’s flag bearer. The Independent Electoral Commission has set November 14, 2024, as the official date for the by-election.
Several candidates have already declared interest in contesting for the NRM party flag, including Senior Presidential Advisor on Agriculture Kabagyenyi, Sylvia Dushime, Faith Winfred Igiraneza, Eva Twizere, Louise Niyikiza, Aphia Nyiramahoro, Brenda Fancy Nirere, Allen Nkurikiye, Grace Ngabirano Akifeza, and Blessed Kitentera.
Mary Uwiringiyimana has also announced her candidacy under the National Unity Platform (NUP) party, while Christine Mbabazi has expressed interest in contesting under the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), linked to Dr. Kizza Besigye’s camp. However, it remains uncertain how Mbabazi’s candidacy will proceed, as the PFF is not yet registered with the Electoral Commission as a political party.