Opposition thriving off divisions in NRM — Mukula

Lack of both respect and love by some members of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) has caused divisions, paving way for the opposition to recruit more members in Jinja district.

Capt. Mike Mukula, the NRM vice chairman for the eastern region, explained that he had received reports of the divisions which have caused infighting in the party, and benefit the opposition.

"I was told about two NRM groups in Jinja calling themselves the Palestinians and Israelites who are at loggerheads. This should stop because, instead, it is weakening the party and creating a stronger ground for the opposition," he said.

Mukula made the remarks on Monday while speaking during the delayed NRM Day celebrations which were held at Budondo sub-county grounds in Jinja district.

He was reacting to reports by Loy Katali the Jinja district Woman MP that the party is grappling with rifts which are killing its strength. 

"NRM fought Alice Lakwena in Magamaga, Allied Democratic Forces whose commander Jamil Mukulu is in custody, the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) which is now over 2000 miles away in the Central African Republic, Itongwa in Buganda and many others who did not want peace. Since this government has brought peace we expect you to put it to right use and stop the fighting," he warned.

He added that the LRA had plans of attacking the Busoga region and mainly Jinja through Bugiri but that the NRM government managed to stop them.

Mukula warned the warring groups that if this goes on, they will have to face the party's disciplinary committee.

He urged them to put aside their differences to support and monitor government programs like the Universal Primary Education, Universal Secondary Education, Women and Youth livelihood programs where the government has heavily invested.

He praised the NRM for building a strong army (UPDF) which has helped provide peace in Somalia, DRC, South Sudan, Burundi and Rwanda.

Other projects he pointed out are the construction of Karuma Dam in Northern Uganda, Isimba Dam, Nalubaale Dam and the opening of more universities from only Makerere at the start, to 45 now.

Nathan Igeme Nabeta, the Jinja district NRM chairperson, pledged to ensure that the party activities are streamlined and errant members disciplined to strengthen the party.

"The reports to the chairperson over infighting will be overcome. We should stop complaining about one another and instead work to build the party's strength in preparation for the coming 2021 general elections," he said.

Nabeta challenged the party's supporters to join hands and lobby for a better road network to ease transportation of agricultural produce in Jinja, starting with the road from Amber Court roundabout through Budondo to Mbulamuti in Kamuli district.