Musician Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu has won the Kyadondo East parliamentary by-election with 25,659 votes.
Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine, beat four other contestants including NRM party candidate William Sitenda Sebalu and FDC’s Apollo Kantinti.
Kantinti, whose election for the same seat in 2016 was nullified by court leading to this by-election, polled 1,832 while Sebalu got 4,556 votes. Other candidates were Muwada Nkunyingi who got 575 and Male Kayongo Sowedi who managed only 377 votes.
Wakiso District returning officer Francis Nkurunziza, while releasing the results at Kasangati Tally Centre said a total 33,310 votes were counted of which 32,999 were valid while 41 were spoilt.
The 35-year-old artiste stood as an Independent candidate and chose to carry his message as a grassroots voice championing issues of the common man.
After an early unassailable lead, several politicians rushed to congratulate Kyagulanyi, top on the list being FDC heavyweights Dr Kizza Besigye and Budadiri West MP, Nathan Nandala Mafabi. Both leaders predicted a landslide for the popular musician against other candidates including Apollo Kantinti, the FDC party choice for this by-election.
“Landslide victory for HE Bobi Wine. Congratulations – PEOPLE POWER!! That’s why Wakiso people weren’t allowed to vote 2016,” said Besigye on his official Twitter handle, @kizzabesigye1. He was referring to the 2016 general elections when voters in many parts of Wakiso district waited for up to eight hours before they were able to vote.
NRM secretary general Kasule Lumumba said the ruling party is ready to work with Kyagulanyi, describing him as a friendly force and a son whom President Museveni does not have a problem with. Lumumba said the Kyadondo East experience has been a lesson to political parties.
Earlier, Kyagulanyi spoke to journalists when it became clear he was headed for victory. He emphasized the fact that he will be a legislator for all and will consult widely.
– URN
