By Aaron Okotel
MBALE CITY
Dr. Sarah Wasagali Kanaabi, the former chairperson of the Electricity Regulatory Authority, has announced her decision to run as an independent candidate in the upcoming general elections. This move comes after her defeat in the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party primaries, which she alleges were marred by “massive rigging.”
Speaking at a consultative meeting with her political advisors at her home in Nakaloke, Mbale, on Sunday, August 17, Dr. Kanaabi expressed her determination to continue her political journey.
“What was written and declared was totally different from the people’s will,” she said, claiming that original declaration forms were used to alter the results. She added, “We know that there are people who are perennially riggers of the flag. So I’m not worried because I know I have the people’s mandate.”
Dr. Kanaabi, who came in second place in the NRM primaries with 14,601 votes, expressed her commitment to serving the people of Mbale City. She stated her intention to deliver services and link them to national programs, even as an independent candidate.
In a surprising turn, Dr. Kanaabi revealed that she did not petition the NRM tribunal regarding the alleged irregularities. Instead, she wrote to President Yoweri Museveni, informing him of her intention to run as an independent, to which the President reportedly gave his approval.
Lydia Wanyoto Mutende emerged as the victor in the hotly contested primaries, securing 52,299 votes. The third candidate, Namuwenge, received 8,775 votes. Dr. Kanaabi’s decision to run as an independent is expected to add another dimension to the race for the Mbale City parliamentary seat.
