By KT Reporter
The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party is under pressure to undertake major reforms in its internal election processes to avert possible disintegration of its membership, following widespread reports of malpractice in the recent primaries.
The party has been conducting primary elections to choose flagbearers ahead of the next general elections. However, the results have faced heavy criticism from sections of voters and candidates, with many expressing intentions to defy the party and contest as independents.
Peter Ssekungu, Chairperson of the Masaka District NRM Entrepreneurs League, expressed concern that the altercations and clashes arising from the primaries are unhealthy for a party that seeks to remain in power. He noted that it is high time the NRM top management and Secretariat considered major reforms to strengthen internal elections, warning that failure could plunge the party into disruptive divisions.
Ssekungu suggested digitising the party voters’ register to eliminate multiple voting, which he described as the most common malpractice in the recent primaries. He also proposed stricter sanctions against individuals who orchestrate electoral malpractices, arguing that punitive measures would deter future offenders and protect the party’s credibility.
Former Sembabule District Chairperson, Dr. Eli Muhumuza, who also lost in the primaries, called for a complete overhaul of the party’s Electoral Commission, saying it is incapable of organising credible elections. He argued that NRM primaries have lost meaning, having degenerated into displays of political might and violence that disrupt party unity.
Muhumuza also urged the party to stop interference by security personnel and Resident District Commissioners, whom he blamed for much of the chaos due to their lack of impartiality.
In Luwero and Nakasongola districts, losers of the NRM parliamentary primaries accused the party of failing to conduct credible elections, warning that the malpractice threatens the party’s future. In Katikamu North, Ronald Ndawula lost to Gaddafi Nasur, who was declared the winner by the NRM Elections Disputes Tribunal with 9,096 votes against Ndawula’s 6,931.
Ndawula, however, insists the elections were marred by irregularities, including ineligible voters, register inflation, bribery, and intimidation. He argued that the NRM lacks the capacity to control such irregularities and proposed abolishing open voting for flagbearers, suggesting instead a vetting system managed by an independent party committee.
In Nakasongola County, Rogers Bwanga Sande, who also lost in the MP primaries, called for the adoption of secret ballot voting and the disbanding of the current Electoral Commission. He argued that candidates with money or influence easily manipulate the current system.
In Lwengo, District Chairperson Ibrahim Kitatta, who lost in Bukoto West, appealed to the NRM National Executive Committee to commission an audit of the primaries to cleanse the party of wrong elements and restore public confidence. He also expressed doubt in the impartiality of the Elections Tribunal, describing it as part of an already flawed process.
However, James Tweheyo, a Commissioner at the NRM Electoral Commission, dismissed fears that the primaries have divided the party. He maintained that the recent exercise registered notable improvements compared to previous ones.
-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
