By Weswa Ronnie
MBALE
In a bid to break the mold of traditional African societal norms, two women from the Bugisu region have expressed interest in contesting for Member of Parliament seats currently held by men.
Metrin Musufwa is vying for the Namisindwa County MP seat in Namisindwa district, challenging incumbent Apollo Masika in the NRM primaries. Meanwhile, Shafiga Wanyenya is contesting for the Bungokho North constituency seat in Mbale district, seeking to unseat John Faith Magolo.
Wanyenya on Saturday while speaking to her supporters at Wanale and Budwale Sub county highlighted the need for massive sensitization to encourage women to compete with men for elective positions, noting that some women are unaware they can contest for direct MP seats.
She pledged to prioritize the needs of mothers and youths if elected, including providing an ambulance to ferry expectant mothers to Mbale Regional Referral Hospital.
Musufwa emphasized the importance of electing women to promote girl-child education and development.
She promised to fight for girls’ and women’s rights if elected to parliament.
If successful, Wanyenya and Musufwa would be the first female MPs to represent constituencies in Bugisu region directly.
Currently, women hold 146 seats in parliament, reserved specifically for women, out of a total of 557 seats.
