Written By | Our Reporter
Photos: Tayebwa campaigns for Museveni in Mitooma
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Mitooma
The Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, has cautioned voters in Ruhinda North against supporting independent candidates, saying such choices undermine service delivery and government coordination.
“When you vote for the President and then choose independents at other levels, you weaken coordination and delay services to the people,” Tayebwa said while addressing rallies in Kigyende and Rwoburunga sub-counties ahead of the January 15 polls. 
Tayebwa was campaigning for President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and National Resistance Movement (NRM) flag bearers. He was accompanied by Kyarampe Rebecca, the NRM Woman Member of Parliament flag bearer; Alex Karitundu, the District LCV Chairperson flag bearer; and Moses Tumwekwatse, the District NRM Chairperson.
“We need leaders who can work together from the village to the national level. That is how government programmes can be implemented effectively,” he added.
Tayebwa referred to the recent NRM primaries, in which Kyarampe Rebecca defeated the incumbent Woman MP, Juliet Agasha Bashisha, while Alex Karitundu beat the district’s long-serving chairperson, Benon Karyeija, to secure the party flag. 
However, Bashisha later opted to contest as an independent candidate, a decision Tayebwa criticised.
“Independent candidates cannot effectively push government programmes. They isolate themselves, and in the end, the people suffer,” Tayebwa said.
The Deputy Speaker also commended residents for embracing income-generating activities, particularly the expansion of coffee growing to replace sugarcane previously used for distilling illicit alcohol (waragi).
“Coffee farming brings in much more income and offers a sustainable way of lifting families out of poverty,” he said. 
Tayebwa further expressed concern over reports that some officials were allegedly demanding bribes from beneficiaries of the Parish Development Model (PDM).
“We cannot allow a few individuals to sabotage good government programmes. Those involved will be dealt with,” he warned.
He said the NRM remains focused on protecting its achievements and improving livelihoods, adding that Ruhinda North is ready to safeguard the gains made under the NRM government.
Torch Media Africa
