2016 Presidential Aspirant to Run for MP, Promises His Entire Salary to Constituents

Former presidential candidate, Prof. Venansius Baryamureeba has declared that he will contest for the Ibanda Municipality Member of Parliament seat on the ruling NRM party card.

In an interview, the former Makerere University Vice Chancellor said that had decided to contest as an MP representing the people of Ibanda Municipality in the upcoming 2021 elections.

He called on other experts and businessmen and women to offer themselves and take over positions if there is to be a change in the composition of parliament and influence policies to ensure an enabled environment for the private sector, education and other key sectors.

Whereas many would see it as downgrading, the 2016 presidential candidate explained that his decision is backed by the desire to serve his people.

“In the developed world like USA, when candidates run for the Presidency and lose they don’t contest again. They instead serve in the Senate or other top political organs. That’s my position too. Examples include Mitt Romney and the late Senator John Sidney McCain III.” He said.

Baryamureeba explained that the country needs good laws for various sectors to thrive, adding that by joining parliament, he will contribute to the same.

“I have decided that all the emoluments from parliament including (salary and money given to MPs for the car) would go to the constituency fund. I will ask the Ibanda Municipal Council Leadership to manage this fund since they already have systems in place for managing government programs in the municipality.” He added.

The former Makerere University vice chancellor was a presidential candidate in the 2016 which he lost to the incumbent and current NRM chairperson Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.

In 2018, Prof. Baryamureba announced that he had joined the ruling NRM party and while appearing on NBS Television, he defended his decision as being “God guided.”

“Since 2015, I have not been in any political party but I’ve finally joined NRM because God has guided me,”Baryamureeba said.