Religious, political leaders speak out on NRM polls

By Umaru Kashaka and Jacquiline Nakandi    

The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party will on Monday vote in the most hotly contested primary election in Uganda's history.

As in any election, a host of local and national issues are being debated in the campaigns, with accusations and counter-accusations flying back and forth at rallies and in the media.
However, political analysts, religious and NRM leaders have called upon all political actors to bear in mind when voting that there is always a winner and a loser in every contest.

Prof Sabiti Makara, a senior lecturer of political science at Makerere University, said stakes are high in these elections so candidates should be willing to either win or lose and be ready to concede defeat.

"There is life after elections," he said.

He called upon the NRM electoral commission to ensure they conduct free, fair and transparent elections without bias.

"Falling on one side will cause a lot of discontent," he stressed.

Sheikh Abdulsalama Mutyaba, the executive imam of Kibuli mosque, said: "Politicians should know that this election is not the end of the world. Those who win should be careful when cerebrating so that they don't annoy the losers and the losers should also be magnanimous in defeat."

Hajji Nsereko Mutumba, the spokesperson of the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council, said: "These elections should not be seen as a do or die affair. The Police should also approach the situation that might turn violent with caution," he said.

Nicholas Kasaija, a pastor at Homia Christian Worship Church, said: "Voters should not be bribed because their votes are crucial in determining the future of our country. They should know their rights as voters so that they are not offered gifts or services in exchange for their votes,"he said.

Joshua Lwere, a Bishop at Grace Assemble in Old Kampala, said: "Voters should elect leaders with servants' hearts, who are able to make scarifies for the people who put them into power and are willing to meet their needs."

true
Bishop Joshua Lwere

NRM deputy spokesperson Ofwono Opondo said in his recent column in Sunday Vision: "Not everyone can be expected to win…Indeed, many losers during NRM primaries often offer themselves as independents, creating confusion and animosity throughout the parliamentary circle."