The people of Bugiri Municipality have been urged to be vigilant and protect their votes as they go to polls on Friday to elect a member of parliament.
The call was made by JEEMA party candidate Asuman Basalirwa during his final rally on Wednesday. Basalirwa whose campaign was attacked by security operatives on Wednesday morning said the opponent was planning to rig the election, but that they should not let this happen.
“As we conclude this campaign, we are aware that we are already winners, our opponent is only planning to rig. I request you to be vigilant, to ensure you protect this vote.
Wake up very early by 5am you must be at the polling station, cast your vote and remain at the polling station, protect your vote” an optimistic Basalirwa said.
He also invited his supporters to the victory party that he plans to hold on Saturday at a local primary school. He also requested his voters to avoid all acts of violence.
“I request you to be calm, be law abiding, avoid acts of violence, lawlessness, avoid language which is sectarian, abusive, respect the law, police and institutions that maintain law and order. But this respect should come only if police respects us. Make sure to protect yourself, stay alive and make sure to cast your vote” he concluded.
Meanwhile in the NRM camp, President Yoweri Museveni who is also the party National Chairman urged the electorate in the newly created constituency of Bugiri Municipality, Bugiri District in Busoga Sub-Region, to choose leaders who understand the concerns of the people and who bear constructive outreach.
"NRM gave the people the mandate to vote for leaders who are focused and constructive in the execution of duties. But when voters elect people who do not perform, it is 'self injury' and a disservice to society," he said.
The President, who was in the area on Wednesday to mobilise votes for the NRM flag bearer, John Francis Oketcho, for MP slot in Bugiri Municipality, also told voters at a rally at Bukooli Technical School to ensure that people live a healthy life.
"Initially, NRM fought and eradicated 13 killer diseases through mass immunisation. In addition to safe water, good nutrition, drugs, avoiding risky behaviour and prevention of malaria is the way to avoid 80% of diseases," he said adding that prevention is better than cure.
The president called on leaders to always advise wananchi to strive and lead healthy lives. Mr. Museveni, like Basalirwa also warned against politics of sectarianism on tribal, religious or other tendencies saying that whoever promotes sectarianism should be recorded for evidence and bought to book under the law.
During the rally, Museveni received a group of over 200 converts from the opposition groups who crossed to NRM.
