Zombo NRM candidates cautioned against relying on social media for electoral outcomes

Zombo: As the National Resistance Movement (NRM) gears up for its Local Council III (LCIII) and councillor primary elections slated for Thursday, August 14, party officials in Zombo district have issued stern warnings to candidates against relying on social media for election results.

During a reconciliation summit held at the Zombo District Headquarters on Sunday, party leaders emphasized that unofficial tallies shared on social media have historically led to confusion, misinformation, and disputes among the electorate.

Dickson Pithua Kenedy, the interim NRM Chairperson for Zombo, urged candidates to deploy polling agents to all stations to ensure transparency and prevent irregularities.

“I strongly caution our candidates against banking on social media results. They must position their agents at every polling station to monitor the electoral process. We will only recognize authentic results from our sub-county registrars, not social media,” Pithua said in an exclusive interview.

Echoing this stance, Prisca Unegiu, the NRM district registrar for Zombo, stressed the need to adhere strictly to official party procedures.

“We will only accept results from our supervisors. I urge candidates to rely solely on verified outcomes,” Unegiu affirmed.

She confirmed that over 50 candidates have been cleared to contest for LCIII seats, alongside numerous parish and ward councillor aspirants. She also called on party members to participate massively in the primaries.

“We’ve held mobilization meetings with candidates. Over 50 are vying for LCIII positions, and many more for councillor seats. We urge party members to turn out in large numbers and vote,” she added.

Incumbent LCIII chairperson for Padea Town Council, Melki Onyutha Orwothuwun, expressed confidence in retaining his position, citing a track record of transformative leadership.

In Alangi Sub-County, Radio Paidha employee Mazu Ubia Silverfield Rwothomio is challenging the incumbent LCIII chairperson, Meuva Jackson Fred. Ubia, speaking after the summit, emphasized the need for development-focused leadership.

“It’s up to the people of Alangi to select a leader who can drive the sub-county’s development,” Ubia stated, also urging voter turnout on August 14.

Although past NRM primaries especially for parliamentary, LCV, and district councillor positions have seen high voter turnout, recent parliamentary primaries in Zombo were marred by apathy. Some constituents cited unfulfilled campaign promises and alleged candidate impositions as reasons for disengagement.

Registrar Unegiu reiterated her office’s commitment to ensuring a free and fair process:

“I call on all party members to turn out in large numbers to elect candidates of their choice in the forthcoming polls.”

Ora County MP Songa Biyika Lawrence also rallied members to participate actively in the primaries.

Meanwhile, Zombo’s Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Festus Ayikobua, warned party supervisors against tampering with results. Citing President Museveni’s recent directives on internal party democracy, Ayikobua cautioned that electoral fraud would attract serious consequences.

“NRM leaders must not orchestrate fraudulent electoral processes,” he stressed.

Awaiting tribunal verdicts

Tension remains high as Zombo residents await the verdict of the NRM tribunal on petitions filed by Songa Biyika Lawrence and Topista Acamfua, challenging the outcomes of the July 17 parliamentary primaries.

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