By KT Reporter
The National Resistance Movement (NRM) Party Chairman, Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, has directed an additional payment of Shs100,000 to each delegate attending the ongoing National Delegates Conference in Kololo, as compensation for inconveniences during the Special Interest Group (SIG) elections.
The announcement was made by the party’s Secretary General, Richard Todwong, while presiding over the Women’s League elections. He said he was delivering apologies from Vice Chairperson Alhaji Moses Kigongo and Chairman Museveni, who were not present. Todwong added that the leaders had instructed him to ensure delegates receive the additional support.
Each of the over 25,000 delegates had initially received Shs700,000 for facilitation covering meals and accommodation. However, complaints over poor living conditions, inadequate hygiene facilities, and logistical challenges prompted the extra support.
Some delegates said they had already spent the initial facilitation and were forced to sleep on the floor inside the stadium. Lomer Celestine Maniman Lolachat, a delegate from Nabilatuk District, described the hardships many women have endured. “We have gone through a lot of inconveniences as women. Some of us have not bathed for days. We are now smelling each other,” she said.
Lolachat also cited the lack of proper sanitary disposal facilities, warning it was a serious health concern. Other women complained about being away from their children longer than expected as the elections dragged on. Although lunch and tea are provided at the venue, accessing the washrooms and other services requires long waiting times due to the large crowds.
The Kololo conference brings together NRM delegates from across the country for elections, policy discussions, and strategy sessions ahead of the 2026 general elections. Party officials acknowledged the challenges and promised improved arrangements.
Todwong urged delegates to remain patient and united, assuring them that the additional facilitation would be distributed after voting. The conference runs until Thursday, with more elections planned, including the vote for the Central Executive Committee (CEC). The race attracting the most attention is between former Speaker of Parliament Rebecca Kadaga and her successor Anita Annet Among, who are competing for the position of 2nd National Vice Chairperson (Female). The party last week resolved to let delegates decide after both refused to step down.
Meanwhile, NRM Electoral Commission Chairperson Dr. Tanga Odoi declared Adrine Kobusingye the winner of the Women’s League elections held on Tuesday at Kololo, after delegates lined up behind their preferred candidates. Incumbent Lydia Wanyoto Mutende withdrew from the race mid-process after realizing she had little support and instead backed Faridah Kibowa, who finished second with 670 votes. Kobusingye emerged winner, while some of the other eight candidates withdrew or polled fewer than 20 votes.
In the regional races, Enid Mwesigye secured 1,704 votes to become Vice Chairperson, Women’s League for Western Uganda. Elections for other regions were still ongoing by press time.
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