Aspirants asked to abide by guidelines as NRM holds joint campaigns

Bunyoro: A rift has emerged within the Hoima District National Resistance Movement (NRM) leadership over the modalities for the upcoming party primaries, with disagreement centering on whether to adopt joint or individual campaign strategies.

During a security meeting with nominated candidates held Tuesday at the Hoima District Youth Center in Kasingo, Vincent Muhumuza Savanah, Chairperson of the NRM District Executive Committee (DEC), announced that the committee had resolved to petition the NRM Electoral Commission to permit candidates to campaign individually.

 According to Muhumuza, the disadvantages of joint campaigns such as logistical complications and internal tensions outweigh the benefits.

However, most aspirants present strongly disagreed, favoring joint campaigns, which they said foster unity, minimize hate speech, and enhance interaction between voters and candidates. They agreed to consider individual campaigns only if the party fails to provide essential support, including public address systems, security, and mobilization.

Rodgers Mbabazi, the Hoima Resident District Commissioner (RDC), stated that local security operations will follow whatever decision is made by the NRM National Electoral Commission.

He warned that any candidates inciting violence or involved in vandalism, such as tearing posters, would face arrest and prosecution. Mbabazi also stressed that political discos will only be permitted at night with prior clearance from security.

He further warned opposition candidates not to begin campaigning prematurely, noting that their respective party programs had not yet been cleared.

Joseph Kutegeka, the NRM District Registrar for Hoima, noted that the district is still awaiting official campaign guidelines from the national party headquarters. In the meantime, he urged aspirants to submit individual campaign programs for approval and monitoring.

Meanwhile, in Masindi District, unity among aspirants has been more apparent. Moses Ogwang, the district NRM registrar, reported that most aspirants unanimously agreed to conduct joint campaigns after an indoor meeting held at the RDC’s office on Wednesday.

He said the candidates would collectively draft a campaign roadmap while awaiting logistical support from the central office. The district’s electoral commission will accompany candidates during campaigns to ensure compliance and order.

Masindi RDC Darius Nandinda reassured the public that peaceful and well-secured campaigns would be conducted, warning that anyone violating campaign guidelines would be dealt with accordingly.

Aspirants in the district welcomed the joint campaign format but also requested financial support and sound systems to amplify their messages during rallies.

In Buliisa District, the NRM is preparing to officially launch joint campaigns for all party flag bearers. Speaking to UG Reports, District NRM Registrar Moses Ntakimanye said the joint campaign launch would happen before the end of the week, allowing candidates to begin coordinated campaign activities.

Ntakimanye reiterated the party’s commitment to a transparent and orderly internal electoral process, emphasizing that joint campaigns are mandatory for all aspirants under NRM guidelines. He warned candidates and supporters that any misconduct would carry serious consequences.

He confirmed that four candidates are contesting for the Buliisa County MP seat, while another four are vying for the District Woman MP seat. Once launched, all candidates will campaign collectively, moving sub-county to sub-county as a group.

As internal campaigns unfold, aspirants across the districts have been reminded to strictly adhere to party rules and uphold peaceful conduct throughout the primary season.

Story filed by Christopher Bruno, Innocent Atuganyira and Pascal Onega

Do you have an advertisement or article you want to publish? Mail us at theugreports@gmail.com or WhatsApp +256757022363.