Disqualified Gomba West parliamentary aspirant Jane Kalumba has thrown her support behind Ronald Mukimbiri Sabiiti, pledging to work with him to defeat incumbent NRM flag bearer Robina Gureme Rwakoojo in the January 15 polls.
Kalumba, who was among the aspirants for the Gomba West seat before her disqualification by the Electoral Commission, announced her decision while campaigning alongside Mukimbiri in areas including Kisozi, Kifampa and surrounding villages, where they addressed supporters and rallied voters to unite behind his candidacy.
Addressing her supporters, Kalumba accused Rwakoojo of failing to deliver tangible development to Gomba West during her decade-long tenure, alleging that the legislator had instead prioritised personal business interests.
“People of Gomba West who have been supporting me, I want to assure you that when Hon. Robina Rwakoojo realised the strength I had due to your support, she connived with enemies of Gomba’s development and went to the Electoral Commission to falsely claim that I am uneducated,” Kalumba said.
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She added that Rwakoojo underestimated her political strength and believed she would easily win the election if Kalumba was removed from the race.
“From here in Kifampa, I want to make it clear that Ronald Mukimbiri is the candidate we are all supporting on January 15. Robina should prepare to return home where she came from,” Kalumba declared.
Kalumba criticised the state of infrastructure and social services in the constituency, citing poor roads, lack of electricity in areas such as Kyaayi, and inadequate access to clean water.
“We have been led by the same woman for ten years and now she wants more time. Yet our roads are like cattle tracks, many areas still sleep in darkness without electricity, and people share water sources with animals. This is unacceptable, especially when we claim to have both an NRM MP and the President,” she said.
She warned voters that re-electing Rwakoojo would condemn the area to another five more years of underdevelopment.
“If you ignore my guidance and fail to vote for the candidate I am recommending, know that you will have added another five years of darkness, poor roads, and suffering. But if you vote for Mukimbiri, he will represent us in Parliament and bring development back home,” Kalumba urged.
Mukimbiri, whose symbol is the Radio, thanked Kalumba for what he described as a selfless decision to prioritise the development of Gomba West over personal ambition.
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“Rwakoojo thought Gomba belonged to her and her family, but the time has come for the people of Gomba West to choose one of their own. I ask you to vote for me in large numbers, together with all supporters of Hon. Jane Kalumba. I assure you, we are sending Robina away,” Mukimbiri said.
He called on voters to support President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for President while backing him for the parliamentary seat.
“Therefore, people of Gomba West, on January 15 vote Museveni for President, and when you reach the parliamentary ballot, vote for Ronald Mukimbiri, the Radio symbol. Robina should go back to where she came from,” he added.
Following Kalumba’s disqualification by the Electoral Commission, the race initially appeared to tilt in favour of the incumbent.
However, with only days remaining to polling day, political temperatures in Gomba West have risen sharply, signalling a tightly contested race.