Tayari News
HOIMA – The Uganda Electoral Commission on Friday,6th February, declared independent candidate Mercy Kanyesigye the winner of the National Female Youth Parliamentary seat at the election held at Hoima Stadium.
Kanyesigye got 216 votes, thrashing Diana Kampe Ampaire of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Party with 198 votes, Muhumuza (Independent), who got 24 votes, and Edith Namande Nakayiza of the National Unity Platform (NUP), who got one vote.
The results were officially announced by Jennifer Kyobutungi, the Kampala District Returning Officer, in the presence of the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Justice Simon Byabakama.
After securing victory in the hotly contested race, Kanyesigye thanked her supporters for standing with her.
“To the young people of this country, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for standing with me, for showing me love, for sacrificing for me. Comrades, you were given a lot of money, you were promised heaven and earth, but you stood with me.” Kanyesigye said, pledging to work with her opponents.
“Whether you voted for me or not, I promise to work with you. My opponents, I promise to work with you. I know in an election, there is a winner and a loser, and it doesn’t mean that you are not a leader. Wherever you are, kindly join me, and we serve the young people of this country.” Kanyesigye pledged
Justice Byabakama encouraged the winner to work with opponents for development.
“Since you are going to be a representative for the female youth in Parliament, embrace those who have competed against you and even those who have not voted for you. That is a mark of good leadership.” Said Byabakama
“Be embracing, be a bridge builder and encourage those who have not made it to be part of the process of nation building. Leadership is not about self-aggrandisement or self-arrival. It is about service to your nation, service to your peers and service to the whole country,” he added.
He encouraged the candidates who did not make it to victory not to lose hope, but rather try again next time.
“Don’t give up! Democracy is a process. Elections are not a one-off. I believe 2031 is not very far. I want to encourage you that if you have not made it now, there is an opportunity to try again later.” The EC boss challenged