Popular singer Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known by his stage name Bobi wine has on Thursday been declared winner of Kyadondo East by-election.
The 35-year-old has won with a land slide victory of 25,659 votes (77.7% of the total votes cast), beating 4 other candidates who have been contesting for the vacant MP seat.
“In his remarks, Bobi wine has told media reporters that “I am from the ghetto but God raises people like me to change the perceptions of the public.”
“These people didn’t turn up for me, they turned up for the ideas I represent. Music has been a tool for me. I want to do the same with politics.” Bobi Wine, often outspoken about political and social issues in Uganda stated.
“I have won because people’s voice has risen. I also attribute this to the Grace of God.” He added.
NRM’s Sitenda Sebalu polled 4,556 while FDC’s Apollo Kantinti scored 1,832. Nkunyingi Muwada got 575 while Mr Sowed Kayongo Male came last with 377 votes.
Chairperson of the Electoral commission, Justice Simon Byamukama officiated announcement of results amid heavy security deployment in the area.
Of 32,999 total valid votes cast from 90 polling stations, Justice Simon Byamukama said invalid votes were 311. Total number of ballot papers were 33310 , and of these 41 were announced spoilt.
Elsewhere, Ugandans were amused when former presidential candidate for the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party, Kizza Besigye congratulated the singer close to an hour before the results where officially announced.
He tweeted: “Landslide victory for the HE Bobi Wine. Congratulations – PEOPLE POWER!! That’s why Wakiso people weren’t allowed to vote 2016.”
The Kyadondo seat fell vacant in April following a Court of Appeal ruling that upheld an earlier ruling by the High Court which overturned FDC Apollo Kantinti’s win, because of the Electoral Commission’s non-compliance with electoral laws.
A photo appeared on social media earlier today with Nansana senior Pastor Wilson Bugembe praying for Kyagulanyi and wife Kyagulanyi Barbie Itungo.
“For some reason, I believe this guy can do a good job. He came from zero. He has seen it all. He knows people’s pain,” Pr Bugembe said.
marvin@ugchristiannews.com
