NRM special interest groups polls end peacefully

POLITICS  | ELECTIONS


The National Resistance Movement (NRM) electoral commission yesterday (Saturday October 10, 2020) conducted party primaries for special interest groups (SIGs) representatives in Parliament. 

The elections for the party flag-bearers included the youth, persons with disabilities (PWDs), workers, and older persons in all the four regions of the country and one female national representative for each of the groups.
 
According to the NRM electoral commission vice-chairperson, John Arimpa Kigyagi, the exercise started with a display of the voters' registers at the party district offices between October 7 and 8, 2020 for review and correction. 

"All queries found on the register were to be reported to the district election officer, not to officials at the head offices. Officers on the ground know the voters better than us at Kyadondo," he said. 

The voting, which was conducted through electoral colleges, begans with open campaigns for the contenders.


Gaudioza Kabondo, An NRM EC Official Addressing Voters In Kabale Before Voting. Photo By Job Namanya

Voting for youth and older persons was by lining up behind a candidate or their pictures, whereas that of workers and PWDs was by signing against a candidate's name, just like it was in the central executive committee elections. 

However, five candidates, including Abdu Ziritwaula Kalim and Sharifar Birungi, who were contesting for the central youth representative pulled out of the race, citing lack of credibility of the NRM youth league structure they were being subjected to. 

"I painfully withdraw my candidature in the NRM to run as an independent for the central youth MP position in 2021 due to the fact that the old party youth structures will vote, instead of new ones, because some of the members in the old structures have ceased being youth as per the National Youth Council Act," Ziritwaula earlier wrote in a letter to the NRM electoral commission. 


Pakwach NRM Registrar Gloria Gipatho Declares Youth Results. Photo By Edna Piyic


In the face of COVID-19, the NRM took a decision to extend the tenure for the party SIGs leagues for a period of six months. However, the move attracted discomfort among the youth contenders, who argue that subjecting elections of new youth leaders to an old structure is not only irregular but also unfair. 


Results Being Declared In Jinja. Pix By Jackie Namboga


A section of youth parliamentary contenders made a last-minute ditch, petitioning the NRM secretariat to review the decision, but leaders maintained their argument, citing the coronavirus pandemic. 

CANDIDATES 

The election exercise was not open to all members of the party, but to only leaders in the structures of the above-mentioned groups in the party and those at districts and municipalities. 


The People With Disabilities After The Election In Pakwach Town Council. Photo By Edna Piyic


The national female youth MP seat, currently occupied by Ann Adeke, attracted seven contenders in the NRM from across the region. 

These were Marcelina Busomoke, Robinah Akwi, Norah Oliver Mutesi, Desire Muhooza, Phiona Nyamutoro, Ester Asingwire and Gwendolin Musiimenta. In northern Uganda, the showdown was among Joshua Ekol Mandela, George Abdul, Simon Rubangakene Simon, Jackson Obindu Jackson, and Boniface Okot Henry.


Vote Tallying For PWDs Voting In Mbarara. Photo By Adolf Ayoreka

 
EASTERN REGION

In the hot race for the eastern youth parliamentary seat, five of the 15 candidates contending for the NRM flag were children of seasoned politicians in the region. 

Those nominated to jostle for the NRM ticket included David Gesa, Enoch Otim Okanya, Romeo Mabandha, Derrick Natwaluma, Andrew Julian Taliwaku, Peter Arikos, Sarah Mpongo Namusoke, Moses Otekat, Kristian Kibuuka, Noah Mwidu, Sumaya Balunywa, Samuel Enimu Ekaju, Mike Mugude, Thadeo Wanyama Judas and Bernard Odoi Onen. 


Votes Being Tallied In Kaberamaido. Photo By Michael Onyige


Despite the NRM often facing stiff competition from areas such as Kampala, Wakiso, Mukono and Masaka, it has always had a smooth run to the finishing line when it comes to picking the youth representative for the central region in Parliament. 

The constituency has previously been represented by Faisal Kikulukunyu, Rose Namayanja Nsereko, Jospeh Muyomba Kasozi, Patrick Nakabale and Sarah Babirye Kityo, all from the NRM. With Babirye now out of the picture because of the 30- year age limit to the position, youthful NRM turks, such as Agnes Kirabo and television personality Justine Nameere, were expected to compete.


Voting For Workers In Kabale. Photo By Job Namanya

 
Others who were expected in a showdown include Joan Nanseko, Abdul Kiberu, Fred Mujjuzi, Hakim Mabingo, Felix Kayihura, Sharifah Birungi, Mastulah Nakibuule, Alvin Semambya, Victor Sserunkuma, Rachael Namono and John Bagenda.
 
In western Uganda, Edwin Muramuzi, Agnes Tushabe, Edson Rugumayo, Joshua Israel Akandwanaho, Mark Bitwababo, Gwennie Murungi Biraaro, Patrick Mwesigye, Elemia Muhondogwa and Hillary Ainesaasi were the contenders.