Paul Kyalimpa, first runner-up in Buyanja constituency, has urged defeated candidates in the recent parliamentary elections to maintain harmonious working relationships with the winners instead of seeking legal redress, as the nation recovers from electoral malpractices, bloodshed, and intimidation.
Speaking after losing to Finance Minister Matia Kasaija, Kyalimpa emphasized that collaboration between winners and losers would benefit the electorate, particularly in addressing challenges such as school fees and poor service delivery.
“I am requesting that other NRM leaders who lost in the just concluded parliamentary elections support the people who went through rather than fighting them. Fighting each other does not move us forward and will instead promote accountability in the next elections,” Kyalimpa said.
Kyalimpa also dismissed claims that his appointment as Deputy Executive Director of the Uganda Investment Authority was influenced by Finance Minister Kasaija during his 2020 parliamentary bid.
“I went through the vetting process for this position, including assessments and interviews, and was selected based on merit. The President has the authority to appoint anyone to such executive positions,” he clarified.
He further recalled that in 2021 he contested against Kasaija in party elections and lost. Kyalimpa said party President Museveni had encouraged him to respect the outcome and focus on unity, reflecting the historical values of democracy and collaboration promoted by the late founders of UPM.
