KIKUUBE DISTRICT : The National Resistance Movement (NRM) has unveiled a roadmap for electing its flag bearer in the upcoming Kikuube District LC5 chairperson by-election, following the death of Peter Banura.
Speaking to journalists on Tuesday after a district conference at Kikuube District Headquarters, NRM Electoral Commission Chairperson, Dr Tanga Odoi said the party had kicked off internal processes to identify a replacement candidate in line with party and national electoral laws.
“We have come to abide by the law, which requires us to get a replacement within a specified timeframe,” Odoi said. “Peter Banura was our flag bearer, and we must now conduct primaries to get a new one before facing other political parties and independent candidates.”
Odoi revealed that delegates unanimously agreed to have a competitive primary election.
“We are now calling for Expression of interest starting tomorrow Wednesday until next week,” he said.
He added that nominations will follow after verification of candidates’ academic documents, warning that only those cleared by the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) or, for foreign qualifications, the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE), would be allowed to contest.
The party set the nomination fee at Shs1 million, noting that the election would usher in a full five-year term, hence the need for a fresh process.
According to the tentative roadmap, party primaries are expected next month. The Electoral Commission has already scheduled the by-election for June 10.
Odoi cautioned aspirants against engaging in sectarian politics, warning that any candidate found promoting tribalism, spreading malicious rumours or engaging in character assassination would be disqualified.
“Kikuube is a cosmopolitan district. Anyone who uses ethnic sentiments or unverified allegations will be disqualified. We want to set an example, especially in this oil region where stability is critical,” he said.
He emphasized that the party electoral body and secretariat do not have a preferred candidate, noting that all aspirants would be given a fair platform.
“The winner will be one, and that is the candidate we shall support,” Odoi said.
NRM Director for Mobilisation, Dr Rosemary Seninde, said the party was keen on ensuring a transparent and inclusive process to avoid divisions.
“We cannot impose a candidate. We must listen to the people and allow them to decide through democratic processes,” Sseninde said. “If we don’t do that, we risk encouraging independent candidates, which would divide the party.”
She said the party had engaged leaders from village to district level to gather views and understand the local political landscape ahead of the primaries.
“At the end of the day, once a flag bearer is chosen, we shall all unite behind that candidate,” she added.
Hon Emmanuel Dombo, the Director for Mobilisation, said NRM values democracy, the reason they convened today’s meeting to consult with the local leaders.
He said Kikuube was largely an NRM stronghold and was optimistic the party would win the seat with a landslide victory.
Others present at the conference were the party EC commissioners; Jane Babiiha Alisemera and Driwaru Zaitun.
