Drama unfolds in Zombo as top NRM leaders clash at public function

Zombo: Tensions flared during the 39th National Resistance Movement (NRM) belated Day celebration in Zombo District on Sunday, February 9, 2025.

The event, held at Warr Town Council, saw local NRM leaders clashing openly, with heated exchanges that left attendees stunned.

The conflict began over a failure to follow proper protocol, resulting in the Deputy RDC, Grace Atim, being sidelined. Her frustration boiled over, and she stormed out of the event in protest.

The situation quickly escalated, sparking a mixture of reactions, with some attributing the clash to poor education, lack of consultation, and a failure to work together.

MP for Ora County, Biyika Laurence Songa, who also serves as the Chairman for Climate Change in Parliament, attempted to intervene by suggesting amendments to the protocol.

However, his efforts were met with resistance when Oliver Cwinyai Freeman, the Administrative Secretary for NRM, sharply rebuked him. This exchange led to Deputy RDC Atim’s departure after realizing the protocol was deliberately manipulated.

MP Songa stated, “I want to correct the protocol, and next time, allow someone who understands protocol to organize the program.”

However, Cwinyai Freeman responded controversially, grabbing the microphone and saying, “I am using the NRM constitution. I am controlling this event from a distance, but I am at the center of it. Protocol doesn’t win elections; good work does. If this program is upsetting anyone, please don’t talk about it here. Speak only if it pleases the audience.”

As Freeman handed the microphone to the MC, the atmosphere turned tense. Atim’s departure was followed by efforts from local leaders, including LCV Chairman James Uyullu Uruna, to convince her to return, but she refused.

Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) Ambassador for West Nile, Stephen Okwaimungu, tried to comfort Atim but was unsuccessful. He expressed concern about the ongoing undermining of the RDC’s office, calling on the NRM Secretariat and President Yoweri Museveni’s office to intervene and take action against the leadership in Zombo, particularly against Cwinyai Freeman.

Okwaimungu also criticized the cheap attempts to gain popularity at the expense of elected officials. He added, “We call upon the NRM Secretariat, especially Richard Todwong, and the Office of the President to take firm measures against the NRM administration in Zombo, especially Oliver.”

The event continued with some tension, but the absence of Deputy RDC Atim left many questioning the leadership dynamics in Zombo.

Bolingo Francis, an opposition member from the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT), voiced dissatisfaction over the lack of recognition of opposition efforts at the function, emphasizing the importance of respecting all positions, including that of the RDC.

During the celebration, Zombo leaders took the opportunity to reflect on President Yoweri Museveni’s achievements. Ora County MP Biyika Lawrence Songa highlighted infrastructure improvements, such as roads and bridges, as well as advancements in healthcare and education services in the district.

The NRM Day celebration, though marked by internal strife, reminded attendees of the continued political dynamics in Zombo District, raising questions about leadership and unity within the NRM ranks.

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