The Electoral Commission has declared President of the JEEMA Party, Asuman Basalirwa the duly elected Member of Parliament for Bugiri Municipality after a highly contested race.
Basalirwa was officially declared winner late on Friday by the Bugiri District Returning Officer, Ms Kunihira Christine prompting an eruption of cheering and jubilating by his supporters.
He had faced competition from the ruling NRM party and strongest opposition party, FDC.
According to the final results by the E.C, Asuman Basalirwa got got 3,928 votes, while NRM’s Francis Oketcho came in second place with 3,267 and FDC’s Eunice Namatende had 928 votes.
The other aspirants in the election were Hajji Lyavala Samanya and Joel Wamono, both Independent candidates who secured 8 votes and 15 votes respectively.
Basalirwa who had secured an early lead during the tallying had been congratulated by both FDC and Eunice Namatende, hours before the official declaration.
Read More: FDC Concede Early Defeat, Congratulate JEEMA’s Basalirwa on Victory
Basalirwa told reporters on Friday night that he is committed to good service delivery to the people of Bugiri.
“I am happy that finally Electoral Commission has declared me a winner. I want to thank the people of Bugiri Municipality for the trust and commitment they have showed me,” he said.
Asuman Basalirwa, a politician and lawyer has contested for the Parliamentary seat to represent Bukooli North for three consecutive times but without success.
Kyadondo East MP, Robert Kyagulanyi alias Bobi Wine who threw his weight behind Asuman Basalirwa’s bid right from the start was quick to congratulate him on his victory.
“Congratulations our brother, Hon. Asuman Basalirwa on the outstanding victory in the Bugiri Municipality election.This is so humbling.I must congratulate the people of Bugiri for heeding our message and owning it as their own,” Bobi Wine tweeted.
He said the people of Bugiri were lucky to have Basalirwa as their representative in Parliament.
Former President for the FDC, Maj Gen Mugisha Muntu also tweeted; “I would like to congratulate @BasalirwaAsuman over a hard fought and deserved win. As we continue to push for reforms that put #CountryBeforeSelf, your addition to the parliamentary voices of change is a welcome one. Congratulations too @HEBobiwine”.
