
“For decades, the Mateke family has been a powerhouse in Kisoro’s politics, leaving an indelible mark on the district’s development and governance. The extent of the family’s influence was once again on display this week, following the demise of Kisoro Woman MP and State Minister for Defence, Sarah Mateke, when district leaders endorsed her younger sister, Ruth Nyiraneza to succeed her as Woman MP” (NBS Television, 15.09.2024).
I beg your pardon, but do we? Do we care about this By-Election? It’s a long time coming. The 11th Parliament is settled and yet another Member of Parliament died in office. So, there has to be an election to replace the late Honourable Sarah Matake, the former State Minister of Defence.
Certainly, the family wants to ringfence it and others has supported this. The state of hereditary politicks is among us. We have seen this several other races and by-elections over the past few years. Where the family members of the deceased as fielded a candidate for the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and if it has failed. They have stood as independent and still won the seat. Therefore, in this case… that wouldn’t be shocking either.
There is talk of 15 candidates across the board for this one. The ones thinking this will be a test and a show for 2026 is wrong. It is just another By-Election and its sort of already scheduled. There is nothing surprising here and we know the gist.
The authorities are ready and the Electoral Commission too. The whole gig is prepared, and the pre-planned warzone is soon amongst us. Where the opposition will be man-handled, the law-enforcement will arrest and block rallies. Meanwhile, the NRM can do whatever they like. See unmarked cars and vehicles with officers doing questionable acts. However, they will claim the opposition planned some sinister things…
That’s why the results and the polls are a farce. There is nothing here to see that we haven’t seen before. We can wonder if Ruth Nyiraneza is the next in line or if Fancy Nirere will pull it off. There are other candidates too, but I am not hopeful. Neither if it is NUP, UPC or anyone else for that matter. These sorts of races are to get a new NRM MP and nothing else. That’s the endgame and how the score is tallied.
There is no fanfare or joy in this. It is only procedure and more causes or effects. There is no sort of hope or signs of possible positive outcomes here. No, it is just another poll that is most likely ending in favour of the ruling regime. The ruling regime that is handling it and ensuring their favoured result. Therefore, everyone else is just props and making it look legit. That’s the gist here…
I am not giddy or looking forward to this By-Election. After how several others has gone over the years. This won’t be any different and only the names on the ballots has changed. It is the same NRM and same security organizations interfering in the elections. The same intimidation, briberies and voter tourism that we have seen before. Everything to make it seems good, but we know the reality on the ground.
That’s why this Kisoro By-Election isn’t all that. It’s a default setting and we have seen it before. This is why I am cynical and not hopeful. I don’t see anything good coming out of this. It is just another re-establishment of a new NRM MP and that’s it. Peace.









“How could you send entyabire (Kinyankole word for poisonous mushroom) to Parliament to represent you? You used your votes wrongly because your MP is anti-development” – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (26.01.2005).