Fate of rogue NRM district chairpersons hangs in the balance

KAMPALA - The fate of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) district chairpersons and other party members who defied party directives and decided to run as independents in the general elections hangs in the balance.

Party secretary general Richard Todwong said those members acted "against the party's constitution".

"The Central Executive Committee (CEC) asked you to step aside from your office, and as the secretary general, I have no powers to put you back in office until I report to CEC.
"Once CEC forgives you, then you will resume your office, but if they say no, we shall have nothing to do."

Todwong made the remarks on Wednesday (May 6) while addressing NRM district chairpersons and administrative secretaries at the NRM offices in Kyadondo, Kampala.
After failing to secure the party flag during the primaries, some members opted to run as independents.

In Amuria district, Musa Ecweru withdrew from the Amuria County parliamentary race day after nationwide campaigns kicked off.

Obiga Kania (Terego East County) and David Bahati (Ndorwa County West) took the independent route in their respective parliamentary contests, alongside party flagbearers.

Todwong said he will use official party channels to inform the rogue members in case of any development regarding their fate.

Meanwhile, the Secretary General said the NRM electoral commission collected close to sh11 billion during the expression of interest for MPs and district chairpersons at party level.

NRM district chairpersons looking during a meeting at the NRM offices in Nakasero. (Credit: Simon Peter Tumwine)

“The party leadership directed that we should use this money to build party offices in the various districts of Uganda,” he said, adding that CEC would soon guide on how it will be implemented.

"In the districts where we have not constructed party offices and do not have land, please donate some land to the party so that we can construct offices."

Todwong also revealed that the party leadership will soon be commissioning the construction of the party's head offices. He said plot 10, where the party office head offices are situated, is now party land and NRM is no longer renting the premises.

“We have constantly told you that the party is within the people and since the party members have spoken, it's time for the party to construct state-of-the-art party structures."

Discipline

Todwong also addressed the matter of discipline, saying the NRM is bolstering its disciplinary committee.

He said disciplinary action will be taken against party members who misbehaved during the general elections.

“There are some of you that the director of finance and administration has also booked for disciplinary action, and that is within the means because I have the powers to either suspend you, dismiss you or caution you."