AMBROSE MUHUMUZA
The minister for Science and Innovations, Elioda Tumwesigye was on May 17 nominated to contest in the NRM primaries for the newly created Sheema Municipality despite opposition from a large section of residents who accuse him of being greedy.
Tumwesigye was nominated although he refused to relinquish the Sheema North seat he currently holds.
The minister who is contesting against seven others was welcomed by his supporters in Sheema Municipality amidst heavy police deployment to prevent clashes from rival supporters.
He later joined his waiting supporters at Kabwohe play ground where he addressed him about his intentions to stand as a candidate in Sheema Municipality.
Courageously, Tumwesigye told his supporters that there is no law in the Constitution that blocks his from standing in this election much as he still a serving MP for Sheema north constituency.
But his rivals have now taken a legal action against his nomination and candidature.
Tumwesigye later laughed off criticism, telling supporters those against his bid were ignorant of the law.
He said he had been cleared by both the NRM secretariat and the electoral commission to contest in the race.
The Minister said he will only resign his Sheema North seat after winning the new municipal constituency.
The minister described his opponents as political amateurs.
"They are novices who do not know how people are governed," he said.
David Kamukama, one of Tumwesigye’s opponents called upon President Museveni to intervene.
Others vying for the seat are: Jonas Tumwine, Mwebesa Joseph, Bangonzya Jonathan, Katate Polly, Mucunguzi Geofrey and Raymond Akankwatsa.
The Sheema Municipality NRM primary election is slated for May 30 while the national election will take place on July 19.
