Museveni summons NRM bosses again over elections plan

President Yoweri Museveni, who is also the chairperson of the ruling National Resistance Movement has summoned the party's central executive committee (CEC) over elections roadmap.

A July 8 notice seen by New Vision says: "Notice is hereby given that a meeting of the Central Executive Committee of the National Resistance Movement Organisation will be held on Sunday, July 12, 2020 at State House, Entebbe beginning at 11:00 a.m."

According to the notice, the agenda has only three items which include prayer, communication from the chairperson and consideration of the NRM electoral roadmap.

The party deferred discussions on electoral roadmap last week pending a presentation to Parliament by the justice minister.

Among the proposals by the Government for party elections is the one of using electoral colleges to select party candidates for different elective positions as well as holding virtual meetings instead of delegates' conferences.

Sections of the opposition have already expressed dissatisfaction with the proposals, with some asking the President to declare a state of emergency and postpone the elections. 

Several political parties have passed their election roadmaps and invited candidates to express interest to contest for different offices come 2021.

The Electoral Commission (EC) last month rolled out the 2021 polls roadmap, setting dates for nominations and elections.

In the roadmap, the EC said due to COVID-19, campaigns which involve masses were likely not to take place while voting would be help under social distance and other guidelines set by the health ministry.