NELSON K
Following the conclusion of the NRM structure elections across the country, Boona Radio had an exclusive interview with the Rukungiri District NRM Registrar, Mr. Mugarura Jackson, who gave insights into how the exercise was conducted in the area.
Despite facing challenges and dissatisfaction from some candidates and supporters, Mr. Jackson noted that the NRM structure elections were successfully conducted in Rukungiri District. He acknowledged that some individuals refused to cooperate with the outcome due to ongoing political struggles and personal shame.
The Registrar revealed that the district is now preparing for the next phase of the NRM structure elections, which will be held on the 30th of May, targeting special interest groups including the youth, older persons, and persons with disabilities.
In the interview, Mr. Jackson addressed the controversy surrounding Mugarura George Kaana, who contested for the position of chairperson of the NRM Entrepreneurs League in Rukungiri District. George expressed dissatisfaction after being disqualified from the race, accusing the registrar, Rwakaana, and the Minister of Security, Hon. Maj. Gen. Jim Muhwezi Katugugu, of orchestrating a bribery scheme that saw Rwakaana retain the seat unopposed.
However, the Registrar explained that George was disqualified due to the lack of a valid trading license, which is a requirement to qualify as an entrepreneur in Rukungiri. He also accused George of bringing along other unqualified individuals who lacked trading licenses as well.
He went on to warn that George is now wanted by the Rukungiri Police for allegedly defaming security agencies and the Minister of Security without any proof, further denying any bias or personal involvement in his disqualification. Jackson also noted that a similar expression of dissatisfaction was made by Hon. Cledonia.
On the recent remarks made by Gen. Henry Tumukunde, who is vying for the Rukungiri Municipality MP seat, the Registrar said:
He emphasized that Gen. Tumukunde does not have the capacity to change anything within the NRM system and reaffirmed his own commitment to perform his duties professionally without fear or intimidation. Jackson concluded by calling for unity, reconciliation, and cooperation among NRM diehards, urging them not to let short-term elections divide the party.
Meanwhile, during the district elections held on Friday, May 23rd, Mugarura George Kaana reiterated his disappointment while speaking to Boona Radio. He accused the Registrar, Hon. Jim Muhwezi, and Mr. Rwakaana of intentionally orchestrating his disqualification through bribery, allowing Rwakaana to win the post unopposed.
In a surprising development, Gen. Henry Tumukunde, while hosted on Boona Radio, also expressed his frustration over the conduct of the NRM structure elections. He warned that if it came to it, he had the capacity to “make and facilitate war”, signaling deep dissatisfaction with the election process.
In response to these developments, Counsel Isaac Atukunda, another MP aspirant in Rukungiri, while speaking after the installation of Ven. Edson Muheirwe at Kyatoko Church of Uganda, condemned the threats and intimidation tactics used by some politicians. He urged the public to remain firm and exercise their democratic rights wisely.
