Muntu’s ANT fronts ex-Vision Group talk show host for Bushenyi-Ishaka Municipality MP seat

The Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) has unveiled former TV West political talk show host Yedidia Nyakahangura as its candidate for the Bushenyi-Ishaka Municipality.  

Nyakahangura recently resigned his job at the Mbarara-based TV West where he hosted and produced shows, including the stations flagship politics program ‘Akadaara.”

He had been at the station for nine years.

“My time of service at TV West ends today [July 11]. This has been one of the toughest decisions to make but by the grace of God, I believe its the right one,” wrote Nyakahangura.

“I have served to the best of my ability and I strongly believe its time to move on.” A

On July 14, ANT presidential candidate and founding national coordinator Maj Gen (Rtd) Mugisha Muntu officially welcomed Nyakahangura to the party.

Nyakahangura will now face incumbent MP Gordon Kakuuma Arinda of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) if he (Arinda) wins the party’s endorsement.

Former MP Odo Tayebwa of the main opposition party Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) is also expect to compete to reclaim his seat.

Nyakahangura said he had finally found “where I belong.”

ANT recently welcomed two MPs, Gerald Karuhanga (Independent) of Ntungamo Municipality, and Paul Mwiru (FDC) of Jinja Municipality East.

Mwiru’s exit sent the main opposition party bigwigs cursing, but the former FDC deputy spokesperson said he didn’t want to discuss more on reasons for his crossing to ANT because doing so would cause disintegration in FDC.

But days after ANT welcomed Mwiru and Karuhanga, its Buganda Coordinator Pauline Namagembe crossed to NRM.

Muntu said he respects Namagembe’s decision but the party would continue to focus ahead.

ANT is still in the process of identifying flag bearers for various elective positions across the country ahead of the 2021 general elections.

Muntu is the party’s presidential candidate after he sailed through unopposed.