Bushenyi NRM tightens rules ahead of LC2 elections

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Following challenges encountered during the recently concluded elections for village structures and LC1 chairperson flag bearers, the Bushenyi district National Resistance Movement (NRM) secretariat has begun a strict review and enforcement of the party register ahead of the LC2 elections scheduled for Monday, May 12, 2025.

Speaking to Radio West, Gilbert Rukoko, the Bushenyi district NRM administrator, revealed that in at least five villages, elections did not take place on the originally scheduled date due to chaos and tension among voters caused by the involvement of non-registered individuals.

"In five cells, elections could not take place on the set date because of the confusion that arose when non-registered members tried to participate. This disrupted the process and created unnecessary tensions," Rukoko said.

He explained that during the register update exercises, many people ignored the process, claiming they were not party supporters, but later insisted on participating in the party elections as village members.

"During the register update, people tend to underlook it, saying they are not party supporters. But when it comes to elections, they want to participate as village members, which is wrong," Rukoko noted.

Rukoko added that during community meetings (barazas), unregistered participants often outnumbered those listed in the official party register and pressured officials to bypass the register.

"In barazas, they overpowered the registered party members and refused to allow officials to read names from the register," he said.

"By consensus, they influenced officials to include them, but later disagreements erupted after results were announced with claims that candidates had imported voters."

However, Rukoko confirmed that despite the delays and initial tensions, the elections in the five affected villages were eventually conducted successfully after calm was restored.

"Although the elections did not happen on the scheduled date, we managed to organise and conduct them later in those five villages," he said.

"We resolved the disputes and proceeded with the selection of flagbearers and party structures."

As the party prepares for Monday's LC2 party structure and flagbearer elections, the secretariat is determined to avoid a repeat of the same mistakes.

"As we head into tomorrow’s LC2 elections, we have vowed not to make the same mistakes," Rukoko stressed.

"We are going to strictly follow the party register to ensure that only registered NRM members participate. This will help us avoid the challenges we faced during the LC1 elections and ensure transparency in the process."