By Frank Mugabi

PRESIDENT Yoweri Museveni has attributed the confusion in the ongoing NRM polls to poor registration of party members.

Museveni, who is also the NRM party chairman, said some officials tasked with the responsibility at the grassroots registered only their supporters in the yellow books, leaving out those they purported to be of rival camps.

They did this to have an upper hand since only those members whose names appeared in the yellow book could vote, he said.

The President was speaking at the opening of the all-faith eastern regional prayers at Kakindu stadium in Jinja town yesterday.

The prayers were organised by a group of individuals from the born-again, Anglican, Catholic and Islamic faiths. The prayers were meant to usher in tolerance ahead of next years polls.
Two weeks ago, the NRM started holding primaries for the parliamentary and local government posts. By yesterday, 12 districts were yet to vote.

Museveni noted that in the run-up to the elections, some contestants took advantage of the loopholes in the system to produce their own ballots.

Using a Runyankole proverb, the President said the confusions were minor and would not disrupt the polls.

He said the overwhelming interest exhibited in the on-going NRM primaries was a pointer to how popular the party is. “The enthusiasm among people has been as though we are holding national elections.”

The President noted that although Christians throng churches, and Muslims go to mosques, they do not practice what is taught, which results into needless wrangles.

“Hatred, hostility and selfishness are still rife in our communities and yet churches and mosques fill up everyday. We should compliment our prayers with acts that promote peace,” he said.

Museveni cautioned voters against electing people who bribe them with money, salt and sugar. “Any person who sells his or her vote, sells their rights.”