Nakweede’s journey has been marked by repeated attempts at securing the seat, including runs in 2006, 2011, 2016, and 2021.
Harriet Nakweede, the newly elected woman MP for Kayunga, has finally tasted victory after six long years of relentless pursuit of a leadership position. The 2021 NUP candidate, who has stood as an opposition representative since 2006, says her win is a true miracle, given the stiff competition she faced, with her challengers committed to rob her win right from day one.
Nakwedde was declared winner by Kayunga district Returning Officer, Douglas Twine with 20,753 votes, followed by the incumbent, Ida Erios Nantaba (Independent) with 16,138, and Jackline Birungi third with 15,790 votes.
However, Birungi challenged her victory as she filed a petition for the recount of votes saying alleging that she was denied victory when the Returning Officer Twine declared Nakweede winner without tallying all the polling stations.
Kayunga Chief Magistrate John Francis Kaggwa on Wednesday withheld Nakweede’s victory as the legally elected Woman Member of Parliament for Kayunga district.
Kaggwa dismissed National Resistance Movement’s (NRM) candidate, Jackline Birungi Karangwa’s application for the ballot recount.
He faulted Birungi for filing uncertified DR forms before court, hence dismissing the application and calling on the Electoral Commission to make sure that Nakweede is fully gazetted as the elected Woman MP for Kayunga district.
Who is Harriet Nakweede?
Nakweede is a born of Busaana sub-county in Ntenjeru North constituency, Kayunga district and a holder of a bachelor’s degree in education from Makerere University, Nakweede.
Speaking at a thanksgiving prayer service at St. Stephen’s Church of Uganda in Namagabi Archdeaconry, Nakweede expressed gratitude to her supporters, acknowledging their unwavering trust and resilience. “Their continued trust finally bore fruits,” she said, pledging to work tirelessly to deliver Kayunga to its desired level.
Nakweede’s journey has been marked by repeated attempts at securing the seat, including runs in 2006, 2011, 2016, and 2021.
Her perseverance has earned her recognition as a down-to-earth woman who respects all people, according to church Lay Reader Ordinand Erasto Ssebbowa, who led the service.
Ssebbowa urged Nakweede to remain steadfast, even in the face of challenges, as she takes on her new role in Parliament. Nakweede’s victory is seen as a testament to her dedication and the power of community support.