Nameere added that she could not find the emotional strength to campaign against Nakimuli’s family and the candidate they have chosen to continue her legacy.
The State Minister for Local Government and Masaka City Woman MP Justine Nameere Nsubuga has announced that she will not participate in her party’s campaign activities for the Kalangala District Woman MP by-election, saying she cannot bring herself to campaign against the family of the late Hellen Nakimuli.
The by-election was triggered by Nakimuli’s death earlier this year. The NRM endorsed Aidah Nabayiga as its candidate, while the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) is backing Irene Nampala, Nakimuli’s sister.
President Yoweri Museveni, who also serves as NRM chairman, is expected to campaign for Nabayiga in Kalangala on Monday, June 22. Senior party officials, led by Deputy Secretary General Rose Namayanja, have already established a presence on the island to rally support for the ruling party’s candidate.
However, Nameere said personal circumstances have made it difficult for her to take part in the campaign. She explained that Nakimuli’s death reminded her of losing her own mother at a young age.
“My mother died when I was young. Every time I see a mother who dies and leaves children behind, that’s a technical knockout,” she said.
Nameere added that she could not find the emotional strength to campaign against Nakimuli’s family and the candidate they have chosen to continue her legacy.
“I do not think I have the energy and courage to stand in Kalangala and point a gun barrel at the family of Hellen Nakimuli and the candidate they have fronted to replace her,” she said.
She further explained that even the thought of boarding the ferry that transported Nakimuli’s body to campaign against her family was too difficult to bear.
“I ask my friends for forgiveness on the issue of Nakimuli. I have a very soft spot for a woman who dies and leaves behind a young child. That puts me in a different corner that I cannot explain,” she said.
Despite stepping aside from active campaigning, Nameere urged her supporters to vote for the NRM candidate.
“To my supporters, please do not take this the wrong way. I urge you to support our candidate. My sister Aidah, you know I love you. Even during the general election, the President called me and asked for your number. I have no problem with you, but please forgive me. This is a personal challenge,” she said.
Meanwhile, Irene Nampala secured the NUP flag on May 28 after defeating 13 other contestants in the party primaries. Her candidacy, which has the backing of Nakimuli’s family, has set up a closely watched contest against Nabayiga in the island district.