Opposition supporters in Jinja have this evening started celebrating after the Forum for Democratic Change candidate Paul Mwiru achieved an un assailable lead in the Jinja Municipality East by-elections.
Paul Mwiru
Mwiru beat his closest rival Nathan Igeme Nabeta of the National Resistance Movement and finally wrestled the seat from Nabeta who has represented the areas for two terms.
According to results declared by the Electoral Commission, Mwiru polled 7,758 against Nabeta’s 6,057 votes, beating him with 1,701 votes.
Mwiru was last night declared winner by the returning officer, Ms Flavia Mujulizi, in the presence of Electoral Commission Chairman Dr. Badru Kiggundu and leading opposition leaders.
The other candidates in the race Waiswa Mufumbiro (DP), Osire Osinde (UPC) and Cranmer Dhikusooka (independent) got minimal votes in the voting that was largely described as peaceful.
The by-elections followed the nullification of Nabeta’s victory in the February 2011 elections after Mwiru convinced court about Nabeta’s questionable academic papers and bribing voters.