NYAGATARE- Candidates vying to represent the Eastern Province in the Senate vowed to promote government programs once elected at the launch of the campaigning period.

The Senate elections are slated for September 26 and 27.

The joint campaigns were launched at provincial level on Wednesday at EPR Church in Nyagatare Sector, where all candidates and the Electoral Commission officials gathered.

Twelve candidates, including three females, are in the race for the three slots reserved for the Eastern Province.

Among the contestants is former Member of Parliament in the chamber of deputies, Donatille Mukabalisa, who served her eight-year-term in parliament before holding various top government positions.

Mukabalisa, 51, who holds bachelor’s degree in law, promised to facilitate the decentralisation process. 

"I am standing before you to assure you that if elected, I will work hard to ensure that the third phase of decentralisation is successful,” said the mother of three.

Another candidate, Richard Kalimba, promised to woo potential industrialists in the province, strengthen farmers’ cooperatives and maintain international relations.

Kalimba, 63, holds a master’s degree in quantitative economics from Makerere University in Uganda. He is currently the Vice Rector in charge of administration and Finance at Umutara Polytechnic University.

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