By Emmanuel Okiria
The State Minister for Works and Transport,Hon. Musa Francis Ecweru, has been duly nominated by the Amuria District ElectoralCommission to contest as an independent candidate for the Amuria County Parliamentary seat.
Ecweru, who will appear on the ballot under the car symbol, decided to run independently after losing the NRM flag to Hon. Ediau Samuel in the party primaries.
The nomination exercise was presided over by Mr. Othieono Daniel Kiracho, the Amuria District Returning Officer, who officially declared Hon. Ecweru duly nominated.
“I, Othieono Daniel Kiracho, Returning Officer for Amuria District, do hereby nominate Hon. Musa Francis Ecweru as a Member of Parliament aspirant for Amuria County,” he announced.
Mr. Othieono also urged all aspirants to observe the Electoral Commission’s guidelines and campaign rules to ensure a free, fair, and peaceful election.
Addressing the media shortly after his nomination, Hon. Ecweru expressed gratitude to God for the milestone and pledged to strictly follow the set regulations.
“We shall observe and respect the guidelines and rules set by the Electoral Commission. We shall not do anything that contradicts the rule of law and order while seeking votes,” he said.
“Although I am a minister and leader, I will remain humble and abide by whatever the Electoral Commission directs.”
Ecweru emphasized that nomination marks the beginning, not the end, of the political journey.
“Being nominated is a crucial step for every politician it gives you the right to move around and seek support from the public.
When you are not nominated, your plans end there. I thank God, the people, and the Electoral Commission for this opportunity,” he remarked.
Reflecting on the NRM primaries, Ecweru called for peaceful campaigns, noting that the previous internal elections were marred by propaganda and voter intimidation.
“Let us have peaceful elections and allow people to vote for the leaders they want. If they don’t want you, let them vote for the one they prefer without interference,” he added.
Hon. Ecweru also pledged to prioritize key issues affecting the people of Amuria County, including economic empowerment, education, health, accountability, and security.
He reiterated his commitment to advocate for cattle compensation for the Iteso community, as promised by the government, noting that each affected household is expected to receive five heads of cattle as restitution for losses suffered during the UPA, Lakwena, and LRA insurgencies.
Speaking metaphorically about his campaign symbol, Ecweru described himself as a “turn man” in the NRM government.
“President Museveni is the driver of the bus, and he has sent me to pick fuel with a small car, where Vice President Alupo and Speaker Anita are the conductors,” he said humorously.
Akiror Joyce Abarilela, the Sub county Chairperson who accompanied the Minister during his nomination, hailed Ecweru as a visionary and dependable leader capable of transforming Amuria County.
“Hon. Ecweru is a strong and committed leader who can lobby effectively for the people of Amuria. We should rally behind him because if we lose him, we shall regret it,” she said.
The atmosphere in Amuria Town Council remained calm during the nomination process, with many residents expressing optimism for peaceful campaigns ahead.
About Author
