Idi Amin’s grandson unopposed as Otada pulls out of Kibanda MP race

Kampala, Uganda | GODFREY SSALI | The Electoral Commission (EC) has cancelled the Kibanda North parliamentary by-election slated for Thursday after the former MP in the 9th Parliament and also independent candidate Sam Otada pulled out of the race.

This has left the ruling National Resistance Movement flag bearer Taban Amin Tampo Jegejege as the only candidate.

The Electoral Commission spokesperson Jotham Taremwa has said Taban Amin  will be declared winner unopposed.

“Sam Otada has formally written to us that he has withdrawn from the Kibanda North race meaning that the planned election will not take place,” said Taremwa.

He said that the returning officer will formally announce Taban Amin as the duly elected Member of Parliament and gazette him after which they write to parliament for him to be sworn.

In an interview with the independent, Otada claimed his decision is informed by the fact that he feels the ground is not leveled.

“My decision was because the race was crowded with a lot of influence as most people saw what president Museveni said while campaigning for the party’s flag bearer,” stated Mr.Otada, adding that “Since the chairman of my party is not happy with me, my candidature stands withdrawn.”

While campaigning for Taban Amin at Yabweri village, Mutunda sub-county in Kiryandongo district on tuesday, Museveni urged voters in Kibanda North to vote for the flag bearer as he is the only person that he is ready to work with.

This comes hours after the high court in Kampala threw out his petition challenging Taban Idd Amin’s candidacy.

Otada had petitioned alleging that the NRM primaries in which Taban was declared flag bearer were in contempt of a Masindi High court order that was stopping them.

However, Justice Magret Oguli Oumo ruled that by the time the order was issued, voting had already started and there is no evidence showing which NRM officers were served with the said court order.

She then dismissed Otada’s appeal and asked that each party bears its own costs.

I wish the NRM flag bearer Taban Amin success on Thursday and urge Kibanda North to continue supporting NRM. pic.twitter.com/oP91rngnJi

— Yoweri K Museveni (@KagutaMuseveni) August 8, 2017