Muhwezi concedes loss
Rukungiri. The Minister of Information and National Guidance Jim Muhwezi has conceded defeat after losing the Rujumbura parliamentary seat to his three-time challenger Fred Turyamuhweza of Forum for Democratic Change party.
While accepting defeat, Maj Gen Muhwezi of the NRM party, said: “I accept the results and I promise to keep serving my people of Rujumbura County and the country if given chance in the next government.” He made the remarks to the media at his home in Kagunga, Nyakagyeme sub-county.
Mr Muhwezi polled 14,587 votes against his opponent Turyamuhweza’s 16,859 votes.
He said winning the presidential election was the biggest victory although many NRM parliamentary candidates lost their seats.
Maj Gen Muhwezi is among the strong NRM figures and ministers who lost the February 18 elections.
His defeat boosts FDC’s strength in Rukungiri, the home district of Opposition leader Dr Kizza Besigye.
The FDC now has two of the three parliamentary constituency seats that constitute Rukungiri District, having won both Rukungiri Municipality and Rujumbura County seats.
Rubabo County seat was taken by Mary Paula Turyahikayo while the District Woman MP seat went to Winnie Matsiko, both from the ruling NRM.
Mr Muhwezi and his wife Susan later led a procession of NRM supporters through the streets of Rukungiri Municipality to celebrate President Museveni’s victory in the presidential race, shortly after the Electoral Commission chairman, Dr Badru Kiggundu, announced the final results.
He also addressed the gathering after the procession at Rukungiri Inn and urged them to remain firm despite his defeat.
He said as long as Mr Museveni is still president, he will keep serving the country.
“I know that now the President has won, I will keep serving my country in any capacity,” Maj Gen Muhwezi said.
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