Butebo: NRM wants 'rebel' aspirant out

By vision reporter

The National Resistance Movement (NRM) party has petitioned the Electoral Commission (EC), challenging the candidature of Lt. Richard Oseku, who was nominated as an independent candidate in the Butebo parliamentary byelection.

Oseku was defeated in the NRM party primaries by Dr. Patrick Mutono.

The Butebo MP seat fell vacant, following the death of Dr. Stephen Mallinga, the former disaster preparedness minister, last month.

Prof. Elijah Mushemeza, the NRM electoral commission vice-chairman, said the petition was filed on Monday, seeking the EC to nullify Oseku’s candidature.

Mushemeza made the remarks shortly after the launch of Mutono’s campaigns on Monday.

“We are going to use all avenues to see that Oseku is beaten hands down,” Mushemeza said, adding that Oseku is a cadre who must be disciplined.

Sources said that the NRM plans to remove Oseku on grounds that he didn’t resign from the UPDF.

Oseku, however, said: “It is surprising that the very person who approved my nomination in the NRM party primaries in Kampala is now claiming that I did not resign. The truth of the matter is that I resigned my job to contest.”

“Even RDCs are now involved in active politics, moving around churches asking the public to vote for the NRM candidate,” he added.