KIKUUBE DISTRICT : The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) has turned its attention to strengthening internal unity in Kikuube District, bringing together a broad conference of leaders to align strategy ahead of the forthcoming LC5 chairperson by-election.
The June 10 vote, scheduled by the Electoral Commission, was triggered by the death of former district chairperson Peter Banura Araali, who had held the seat under the NRM ticket. His passing has opened a competitive political contest that the party appears keen to manage carefully from within.
Speaking ahead of the meeting, NRM Director for Mobilisation Rosemary Sseninde said the gathering brought together more than 500 leaders across the district. Attendees ranged from grassroots village chairpersons to top district officials, councillors-elect, LCIII leaders, opinion influencers, and security representatives—signaling the party’s intent to align all levels of its structure.
Rather than immediately naming a flag bearer, Sseninde emphasized a consultative approach designed to avoid internal divisions.
“This is about listening and building consensus,” she said, noting that by-elections tend to attract intensified opposition activity and require tighter coordination within party ranks.
According to her, feedback from the conference will guide the party’s next step—whether to endorse a single candidate through consensus or proceed with primary elections. She pointed to a recent experience in Soroti, where internal dialogue led to multiple aspirants stepping aside in favor of one agreed candidate, as a model the party hopes to replicate.
If consensus proves elusive, the NRM’s Electoral Commission, led by Tanga Odoi, is expected to roll out a formal primary election process.
The high-level meeting also drew senior party and government figures, including State Minister Grace Mary Mugasa and NRM spokesperson Emmanuel Dombo, underscoring the strategic importance the party attaches to retaining the Kikuube seat.
With the clock ticking toward June 10, the NRM’s approach in Kikuube highlights a broader balancing act: maintaining internal unity while preparing for a potentially competitive by-election landscape.
