Byabagambi on next plan after losing Ibanda South election, says relieved of pressure from voters

Karamoja affairs minister Eng John Byabagambi has spoken out after losing the Ibanda South National Resistance Movement (NRM) primary election, declaring what he will do next.

In election results announced live on his Eiraka Radio late September 04 night, Byabagambi lost to

Dr John Paul Ninkusiima aka Panadol in a five-man race.

Dr Ninkusiima polled 15,983 while Byabagambi, who had represented Ibanda South since replacing Deo Rwabiita (RIP) in 2001, managed 12,534.

Minister Byabagambi, Two other Ibanda Incumbent MPs, Prof Baryamureeba floored in NRM Primaries

BYABAGAMBI NEXT PLAN

In an interview with the same radio station on September 05, Byabagambi said he would respect the will of the voters.

He made it clear he would not stand as an independent, but would quit elective politics.

MP since he replaced Deo Rwabiita (RIP) in 2001, Byabagambi appealed to his supporters to back Panadol (Ninkusiima) and all NRM flag bearers in next year’s presidential, local council and parliamentary elections.

“I will not go for active politics anymore, for the good of my party, NRM, and for the people of Ibanda,” he said.

“I am leaving satisfied because I devoted my efforts to Ibanda’s development.”

Byabagambi also breathed a sigh of relief, saying he was now free from the pressure voters had piled on him for years.

He promised to continue to engage in development projects even when he will not be the Ibanda South representative in Parliament.

The former works minister also told off those who thought they he would leave Ibanda because he had lost that he was in the district to stay because it was his home and he had businesses and projects that would keep him busy.

He was also hopeful he still stood chances of being called upon to serve his country at national level.

The MP further dismissed earlier reports that he had instructed staff at Eiraka Radio not to air the election results live after learning that he had lost.