CAMPAIGN CASH! NUP MP Flag bearer pulls out of race

By Francis Otucu

The National Unity Platform (NUP) flag bearer for Sembabule District Woman Member of Parliament seat, Zaituni Yahaya Babikola, has bowed out of the race.

Babikola’s withdrawal from the race leaves National Resistance Movement (NRM)’s Mary Begumisa unopposed.

In her letter to NUP Secretary-General, Lewis Rubongoya, Ms Babikola did not explain why she came out with that decision.

“Due to motives well known to me, this notice is hereby made to unequivocally withdraw my candidature from the race and I don’t wish to contest in the aforementioned position and my name should be struck off the list of nominated candidates to contest for the position of Sembabule Woman Member of Parliament,” her letter dated October 30, 2020 reads in part.

However, when contacted on Tuesday afternoon over this matter, Babikola told Daily Monitor that she made the decision to pull out of the race after failing to raise the money to finance her campaigns that officially kick off on November 9.

“I am unable to finance my campaigns and my party has failed to assure me of any financial assistance,” she said.

NUP Spokesperson in Sembabule District, Ibrahim Mpuuga confirmed Babikola’s withdrawal from the race noting that her action was uncalled for.

“Her decision to withdraw from the race was uncalled for and is demotivating especially at this time when we have no chance of fielding another candidate,” he said.