Photos: Bobi Wine Supporters Fill Kasangati Trading Centre

Musician Robert Kyagulanyi looks set to win the Kyadondo East parliamentary seat with provisional results putting ahead of his main rival, NRM party candidate William Sitenda Sebalu.

 

Results from 31 polling stations indicate that Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, has 8,449 votes against Sebalu's 1880. The final announcement is just minutes, with

 

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.

  

Rogers Mulindwa, a communications officer at NRM party offices on Kyadondo Road in Kampala, issued a statement thanking party members for their support.

 

“This election has helped us a lot in gauging our weight against other political parties we compete with. Even before the results are declared, I can proudly say, 'we have achieved quite a lot from this particular election,” said Mulindwa.

  

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.

 

Kyagulanyi spoke to journalists when it became clear he was headed for victory. He emphasised the fact that he will be a legislator for all and will consult widely.

URN brings some of the events of the day in pictures.