Mercy Kanyesigye, the recently elected national youth Member of Parliament has extended an olive branch to her opponents.
Addressing journalists in Kampala on Friday, Kanyesigye said she is ready to put the past behind her and work with everyone for the benefit of youths.
“I call upon my fellow youth that I contested with to join me and we serve the youth of this country. This will ably enable us to move in the same direction of the youth agenda,” Kanyesigye said.
The polls
The February 6 elections in Hoima saw Kanyesigye get 216 votes while her closest rival, NRM's Diana' Ampaire Kampe got 198 votes, while independent candidate Julia Muhumuza got 24 votes and NUP’s Edith Nammande Nakayizzi came last.
However, Kanyesigye’s victory was challenged by Ampaire who asked court for a vote recount.
While the court ordered a recount, it was halted as the ballot box was tampered with.
Speaking on Friday, Kanyesigye decried the election she said wasn’t easy at all.
She said, running as an independent added onto her misery.
“This was an election where me and my team of brave young people suffered from threats, intimidation, voter bribery and all machinations by our opponent, it wasn't a bed of roses for us,” the newly elected national Youth MP said.
Thanking her supporters for “braving intimidation and machinations”, Kanyesigye said she got her win from the crocodile’s jaws.
“The challenge I found to run as in independent was that different stakeholders were trying to influence young people by giving them empty promises and threatening them for supporting someone not a flagbearer,” she said.
Nevertheless, Kanyesigye said all that is a story of the past, noting that now is time for work.
“I pledge to continue the spirit of comradeship by regularly holding consultative meetings with you the young people, through our National Youth Council leadership structures,” she said.
“I also intend to reach out to key stakeholders in our youth fraternity to mitigate on how we can address challenges affecting the youth in this country. I wouldn't want to promise heaven and earth but I do believe that our efforts in shaping the youth agenda will not go in vain.”
Kanyesigye promised to set up a special desk to help fellow youth access government programs like the Parish Development Model and Emyooga among others that she said ought to benefit everyone, youths inclusive.
