MUGABE R
A section of candidates who lost in the recently concluded National Resistance Movement (NRM) party primaries in Rukungiri District have expressed dissatisfaction over the conduct of the elections and called on the party leadership to adopt secret ballot voting to restore fairness and credibility.
The disgruntled aspirants, who include both local council leaders and community members, allege that the primaries were marred by widespread voter bribery, intimidation, and manipulation of results. They argue that the open voting system currently used in the party primaries has fueled malpractice, compromised transparency, and eroded public trust in the NRM’s internal democratic processes.
Ismail Mugabe, the Speaker of Ruhinda Sub County and former contestant for District Councilor, claimed that some polling stations, especially in secondary schools, had inflated tallies and pre-filled results. He stated that such irregularities had forced him to consider running as an independent candidate in the upcoming general elections.
In a similar tone, Obed Mwesigwa Mayanja, the Speaker of Nyakagyeme Sub County, criticized the voter register’s handling and alleged infiltration by opposition elements, which he says contributed to unfair outcomes. While he has no immediate plans to contest independently, he emphasized that failure to implement secret ballot elections may cost the party its credibility and support base in the near future.
Meanwhile, Justus Ngabirano, who emerged victorious as the NRM flag bearer for District Councilor in Bwambara Sub County, praised the elections as generally peaceful and urged those who lost to remain united and contribute their ideas towards strengthening service delivery and the party’s future.
However, several other participants from Bugangari Sub County, including Moses Kanyesigye, Edith Nasasira, and Ahabwe Lawrence, voiced discontent over what they described as excessive bribery and intimidation, which they believe resulted in the election of incompetent candidates.
The growing discontent among party members has sparked calls for reforms within the NRM electoral system, with many warning that continued disregard for internal democracy could lead to defections and a weakened party performance in the general elections.
