By KT Reporter
As the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party primaries approach, several aspirants in Kapchorwa District have pulled out of previously agreed joint campaign rallies, citing conflicting manifestos and differing campaign strategies.
Most candidates have shifted to independent campaign methods, including solo roadshows and radio talk shows amplified with public address systems. They argue that low turnout by fellow aspirants at joint rallies has rendered the unified platform ineffective.
Patrick Kitiyo Solimo, the MP aspirant for Kapchorwa Municipality, expressed frustration with party officials for failing to enforce the agreed campaign guidelines. He recalled an incident at Kapchesombe Grounds in East Division, where he was the only candidate to show up for a joint rally. “Most of my colleagues have defied the directive and are conducting separate roadshows. It’s unfair, and the NRM registrar seems aware of this but has taken no action,” Solimo said.
Susan Chemutai, the Woman MP aspirant for Kapchorwa District, also criticized the district leadership for perceived favoritism towards incumbents. She said the bias and selective enforcement of campaign rules have alienated many candidates. “Our administration is not following the procedures we agreed upon. Due to this confusion, we have also had to resort to individual campaigns,” Chemutai noted.
Ronald Mongusho, mayoral aspirant for Kapchorwa Municipality, shared similar concerns. Since the launch of the joint campaign schedule, he often found himself alone at events. “I spoke to the district NRM registrar, who said similar activities were ongoing elsewhere in the district and advised me to continue with solo campaigns,” Mongusho said.
Abraham Kipmos Arapmamai warned that ignoring joint campaign arrangements risks creating divisions within the party. “It is disheartening that our agreed resolutions are not being respected. This undermines the unity we should uphold as one political family,” he said.
NRM Registrar for Kapchorwa District, Akram Kamonges, confirmed that joint rallies are part of official party guidelines but admitted that enforcement has been difficult due to non-compliance by some aspirants. “The guidelines were clearly communicated, but many candidates have not attended scheduled rallies, complicating coordination,” Kamonges explained.
He cautioned that aspirants who disregard the guidelines should not blame others if disciplinary action follows. Kamonges urged all candidates to remember that the NRM is one political family and that unity is crucial during campaigns. With the primaries just weeks away, aspirants are calling on party leadership to intervene, ensure fairness, and enforce internal regulations to protect cohesion and a level playing field in the electoral process-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
