Regarding a combined candidacy for the Serere County Member of Parliament (MP) by-election, the opposition is still unclear.
Harold Kaija, the deputy secretary general of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), stated yesterday that the party is eager to take part in the by-election but has not yet made a decision regarding running a joint candidate as the Opposition.
Even if it is something they would consider, Mr. Kaija clarified that the party’s decision on such a position would be made following their continued interaction with the district leadership.
“Our first process begins with local leaders because even when we go for talks, we pick their ideas. We can’t just make a position without them,” Mr Kaija said in an interview. He added: “Having a joint candidate is something we would consider because you know every election has its dynamics and you can’t avoid speaking to colleagues in the Opposition.”
The National Unity Platform, the largest political opposition group in Parliament, is still debating whether to endorse the joint candidate or take part in the contest. Alex Mufumbiro, the deputy spokesperson for the party, stated that the issue has not yet been discussed.
“The party has not yet decided because it has the history of Soroti, Omoro and other by-elections like Kayunga. As a party, we will come out with a position,” Mr Mufumbiro said.
According to the Alliance for National Transformation, Ms. Alice Alaso, their assistant national coordinator, has already entered the race.
The party is already in contact with other Opposition parties about running a combined candidate, according to Mr. Paul Mwiru, the party’s MP.
“We wish to have one candidate as Opposition and we are already in talks and reaching out to everybody except Uganda Peoples Congress, which is saying it is supporting the ruling party, NRM,” Mr Mwiru said.
Ms. Alaso will currently face off against Mr. Emmanuel Omoding Okabe, the late MP Phillip Oucor’s son and the NRM party’s nominee, as well as two other independent candidates, Emmanuel Eratu and Martin Ongurucu, in the race for the seat.