Wakiso NRM's Namwanja cautions party members against greed

WAKISO - A National Resistance Movement (NRM) leader and diehard has appealed to the party leadership to amend the constitution and stop members from standing for more than one position.

Ssalongo Muwada Namwanja, the party chairperson for Masuliita sub-county in Wakiso district, says it is greed and self-seeking for some members to contest for more than one seat, yet they do not have the capacity to meet the challenges attached to them.

He says this also denies other members the chance to lead and serve the party. He cited the recent village elections where some people contested for lower positions and again contested for the district polls, leaving the previous ones vacant.

Salongo Muwada fed over a hundred children on Friday. (All Photos by Eddie Ssejjoba)

“If you are a leader in NRM, you should not vie for more than one elective position. If you do, then you will not have time to canvas for votes for both yourself and the party chairperson, Yoweri Museveni,” he said.

He says that in the coming elections, some NRM district chairpersons have also picked forms to contest for parliamentary seats, and others want to become representatives at the Central Executive Committee (CEC).

Muwada was on Friday, June 6, speaking after prayers, where he fed hundreds of children in Masuliita town.

As Ugandans enter the political season, Namwanja called on them to emulate patience and love for one another if the country is to have peaceful campaigns and elections.

Just like Prophet Ibrahim loved and obeyed God, who tested his faith by asking him to sacrifice his son, he said Ugandans should take a leaf from his book.

“Let us take big lessons from Prophet Ibrahim and advocate for peace, patience and love for children,” Namwanja, who is also the chairperson of the bush war veterans’ children, said.

He noted that the political fever is gathering momentum, but many Ugandans are anticipating violence and political turmoil, which can be avoided.

Although the NRM government has yet to fulfil many of the pledges made in its manifesto, he urged Ugandans to continue believing in President Museveni, as he will fulfil what remains in the next term of office.

In Wakiso and Luwero, Namwanja said the President had promised to work on the bad roads, compensate families affected by the war and extend electricity to villages. He added that the President needed another chance to fulfil these promises.

“Prophet Ibrahim was a great believer, I appeal to voters to emulate him and continue believing that President Museveni will still deliver on his promise,” he said.

Namwanja appealed to the opposition politicians to remain patient, like Ibrahim, even when they lose in the coming polls, saying this will prevent post-election violence and bloodshed.

He appealed to Ugandans to give attention to the welfare of children because they will soon be the leaders of tomorrow. He particularly singled out corrupt civil servants, who he said divert government resources that would benefit children, despite the various avenues President Museveni has put in place to fight corruption.

He said corrupt people have betrayed the NRM government and failed in its mission of delivering services to the ordinary people. 

Speaking on behalf of parents who accompanied their children to the Idd Aduha festival, Emmanuel Sserinya commended Namwanja for dining with children, including non-Muslims.

He said the act offers important lessons to the young generation and should be followed by both Muslims and those of other faiths to learn to give to the needy.