Kisoro district council has made an impassioned appeal to the Mateke family in an attempt to find a worthy replacement for the late Sarah Mateke, a Kisoro woman member of parliament and the state minister of defence.
At the late father's residence, Dr. Philemon Mateke leaders pushed the family to select a deserving successor for the position of leader during the council meeting, which took place in Bungahe village, Nyakabingo Sub-County.
The body of fallen minister of state for Defense and the Kisoro woman legislator Sarah Mateke arrived at Kisoro airfield with a congregation of family members and local leaders covered with grief and sadness Sarah’s body arrived at around 10:10am in a helicopter AF-623 amidst tight security manned by the Uganda People’s Defence Forces and Uganda police.
In a solemn and grieving mood, Sarah’s body arrived in Bungahe village, Nyakabingo sub-county for Kisoro district from where the special council session that saw speakers, LC5 chairperson and many dignitaries to pay tribute to the late minister Mateke.
Mourners led by Eddy Kwizera Wangahungu MP Bukimbiri constituency noted that there is need for Kisoro to have one consensus candidate to replace minister Mateke.
He adds that for peace to take shape in Kisoro, no need to waste resources in a bye-election but rather the Mateke family can endorse any family member to take on.
“We need a consensus candidate to replace minister Mateke. No need for a costly bye-election, let the Mateke family endorse a family member.” Kwezira states.
Steven Kasyaba, chairperson Rubanda district who was one of Kigezi sub-region leaders that attended the council session says that while Kisoro people prepare to go for campaign adding that it would be unfortunate to fight for position of the late minister as the area member of parliament. He added that the Mateke family has played a big role with the Kigezi sub-region hence coming together in unity.
“Kisoro should unite behind the Mateke family. Fighting for the Minister’s seat would be unfortunate. Kasyaba says.
In his speech the Kisoro chairman LC5 noted that there is need for government to construct a stadium in Kisoro like how they are doing in other districts name it after name of the late minister Mateke as a sign of forever remembering her legacy.
“We want to request government to construct a stadium in Kisoro, named after minister Mateke, to honor her legacy.”Bizimana notes.
During the council session, member of Parliament for Bufumbira North John Kamara Niziyemana presented Ruth Nyiraneza a younger sister to the late minister Mateke as the one they they think should succeed the late.
Minister Mateke will be buried tomorrow in Bungahe village, Nyakabingo parish in Chahi sub-county for Kisoro district.