By Aggrey Twesigye
Mwine Tumwebaze Kirimi of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) is elected the Youth Member of Parliament for Western Uganda after defeating eight other contenders in polls held on Wednesday evening.
The election takes place at Ntare School in Mbarara City and draws 2,094 delegates from 38 districts across the western region.
Tumwebaze is declared winner by the Electoral Commission Returning Officer, Ishmail Atwijukire, after securing 1,557 votes. His closest rival, independent candidate Babra Nakandi, polls 404 votes.
Other candidates trail far behind, with Denis Musinguzi (Independent) receiving 19 votes, Deborah Owekisa (NUP) nine votes, Reinold Mujuni (Independent) eight votes, Martha Kihumuro (JEMA) three votes, Manful Abeneitwe (FDC) two votes, while Innocent Barigye of the Alliance for National Transformation and Blessious Namirembe of the Democratic Party each receive one vote.
However, the election is marred by allegations of voter bribery, with some candidates accusing Tumwebaze of spending close to UGX 1 billion to influence delegates. Innocent Barigye claims the use of money undermines the integrity of the process, alleging that delegates are required to provide photographic proof of their ballots before receiving payments.
In his remarks, Tumwebaze, the son of prominent Mbarara businessman Apollo Kirimi, dismisses the allegations and outlines his vision for youth representation in Parliament. He says his priorities include youth empowerment through skills development and increased awareness of government programmes.
Tumwebaze also pledges to strengthen grassroots youth structures, noting that they are often overlooked despite their direct connection to communities.
