Xavier Radio Ug News 24 7
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BY AGGREY TWESIGYEIN MBARARA CITYwww.mknewslink.com—-Mwine Tumwebaze Kirimi of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) has been elected the next youth member of parliament for western Uganda after defeating eight other contenders in polls held on wednesday evening.
The election took place at Ntare school in mbarara city and drew 2,094 delegates from 38 districts across the western region.
Tumwebaze was declared the winner by the Electoral commission returning officer, Ishmail Atwijukire, after securing 1,557 votes.
His closest rival , Nakandi Babra, an independent candidate, garnered 404 votes.
Other candidates trailed far behind, with Musinguzi Denis (Independent) receiving 19 votes, Owekisa Deborah (NUP) nine votes, Mujuni Reinold (Independent) eight votes, Kihumuro Martha (Jema) three votes, Abeneitwe Manful (FDC) two votes, while Barigye Innocent of the Alliance for National Transformation and Namirembe Blessious of the Democratic Party each received one vote.
However, the election was marred by allegations of voter bribery with some candidates accusing Tumwebaze of spending close to UGX 1 billion to influence delegates.
Barigye Innocent, one of the contenders, claimed that the widespread use of money undermined the integrity of the process, alleging that delegates were required to provide photographic proof of their votes in order to receive payments.
In his remarks, Tumwebaze, who is a son of prominent mbarara businessman Apollo Kirimi, dismissed the allegations and outlined his vision for youth representation in Parliament.
He said his priority would be youth empowerment through skills development and increased awareness of government policies.
Tumwebaze also pledged to transform youth politics by strengthening grassroots youth structures, noting that such structures are often overlooked despite their direct connection to communities.
