KAMPALA– A total of 1,033 aspirants for the National Resistance Movement (NRM) political elective offices turned up on the second day of the nomination exercise to express interest and pick nomination forms.
NRM Chairman Tanga Odio strongly dismissed opposition criticism, declaring the NRM party “too mighty” to be broken in any electoral competition. “We can inform the opposition that the NRM is growing from strength to strength. Those who thought the party had weakened should prepare for a sweeping victory across the board,” said Tanga while addressing the press and releasing the day’s statistics.
Ministers Join the Race
Several government ministers also picked nomination papers, each pledging to complete ongoing development programs in their constituencies.
Dominic Mafwabi Gidudu, the State Minister for Elderly Affairs and outgoing MP representing the elderly in the Eastern Region, said he is instrumental in advocating for the creation of the elderly ministry. “We ensured that elderly persons across 40 districts and 11 municipalities received economic empowerment resources like pigs, poultry, and startup capital, in recognition of their contribution to the country,” said Mafwabi.
Rukia Nakadama Isanga, the 3rd Deputy Prime Minister, Minister Without Portfolio, and Woman MP for Mayuge, also picked forms, vowing to finish the development agenda she started. “My goal is to ensure the people of Mayuge fully benefit from government programs and projects,” she said.
Persis Princess Namuganza, State Minister for Lands, Housing, and Urban Development and MP for Bukono Constituency in Namutumba District, pledged to boost local infrastructure and household incomes. “I will continue lobbying to bring economic empowerment programs, improve roads, education, healthcare, and social services,” Namuganza said.
Eng. Irene Muloni, former Minister of Energy and current Woman MP for Bulambuli District, expressed her desire to continue improving energy access for small-scale manufacturers in emerging urban centers. “With a renewed mandate, I will lobby for partnerships and projects that reduce poverty and push for a larger budget allocation to address critical community needs,” Muloni emphasized.