NRM Leaders Cry Foul over Ring-Fenced Positions
SIRONKO: A section of National Resistance Movement (NRM) leaders in Sironko District are protesting what they describe as deliberate efforts to block them from being nominated for various positions in the ongoing party leadership elections. Some accuse district party leaders of shielding a few selected individuals who are expected to back them in defiance of the will of the majority. According the NRM Roadmap, Nominations and expression of interest for aspiring candidates at sub county level started on Tuesday and will end on Friday morning.
The disgruntled members held a press conference on Wednesday evening at Last Chance Resort in Budadiri Town Council.
Siraji Mugonyi, an aspirant for NRM Chairperson of Zesui Sub-county, said he paid the required nomination fee of Shs 50,000 at the NRM office but was not issued a receipt. When he inquired about the status of his nomination, he claims he was insulted and later chased from the office by the administrative secretary, a one Wilson Wambaka.
James Wanyala, another aspirant from Legenya, said he was shocked to be told that nominations for his sub-county had closed, yet it was the first day for submitting nomination forms and expressing interest. He called on higher party authorities to intervene and ensure members can exercise their democratic rights.
Moses Madanda accused the NRM office of tampering with results from lower-level electoral processes. He alleged that in his parish, the people who were declared winners were not the ones actually elected. He called for a thorough investigation into the entire election process in the district to restore members’ trust. Madanda further claimed that registrars have been instructed to remove any delegate who does not support the current district party chairperson, Hajji Lumolo Mafabi.
Allan Wanambwa, the Assistant Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Sironko, confirmed that his office has received numerous complaints about the NRM electoral process. He urged party leaders to act professionally and build public trust, especially during the selection of leaders. Wanambwa emphasized that party staff should serve all members equally, rather than prioritizing the interests of a few individuals something he said is fueling unrest.
When contacted via WhatsApp, administrative secretary Wilson Wambaka denied the allegations, insisting that no positions have been ring-fenced. He advised aggrieved members to channel their concerns through the appropriate party offices.
Earlier in the week, a registrar in Mutufu Town Council, Sironko, was arrested and detained over allegations of electoral malpractice. Police have vowed to take firm action against anyone promoting such irregularities.
