Politics
NRM Primaries Rocked by Chaos, Apathy, and Allegations of Rigging Across Uganda
The National Resistance Movement (NRM) party’s primaries for LC5 chairpersons and mayoral positions unfolded across Uganda amid widespread irregularities, low voter turnout, chaotic scenes, and growing demands for reruns in several hotly contested areas.
In Wakiso District, accusations of vote manipulation and organized interference marred the LC5 race. Groups of youth locally known as Egaali, allegedly loyal to former district chairperson Ian Kyeyune, moved from one polling station to another, influencing vote outcomes. Eyewitnesses, including local journalists, reported that Kyeyune’s rivals — Fred Mpanga, Bujasi Hussein, and Patrick Nakabale — lacked agents on site, leaving Kyeyune to cruise to uncontested victories.
At Nabweru South Cell One, he garnered 250 votes while collecting 185 at Cell Three. At Zimbena Gardens, where Kyeyune himself voted, rowdy behaviour from the Egaali gang forced police to intervene, though no arrests were made.
Addressing supporters after being declared winner at his station, Kyeyune promised to tarmac local roads — a pledge critics pointed out overlaps with existing plans under the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area Urban Development Programme (GKMA-UDP).
Low Turnout, Confusion in Kampala
In Kampala, the mood was largely indifferent, with several stations in the Central Business District recording fewer than 20 voters. In areas like Bat Valley, UTC in Old Taxi Park, and Owino Village, polling stations remained eerily quiet.
Drama erupted at Luwumu Polling Station after Tadius Musoke Nagenda, a contender for the NRM Lord Mayor flag, was found missing in the party’s yellow register despite having agents present. Officials clarified he was only registered with the National Electoral Commission and not the NRM’s internal registry, rendering him ineligible to vote.
“We only had 11 known voters at Universal Village,” said LC1 Chairperson Joshua Kavuma, justifying the decision to start early and close early. All 11 votes went to Alex Asiimwe, the sole candidate with visible polling agents.
According to Vanessa Natukunda, Chairperson of Nakasero 4 Zone, Nagenda’s attempts to transfer his NRM registration from Mukono to Kampala had failed. By press time, he had not confirmed whether he managed to vote.
In Nakawa Division, poor mobilization and logistical issues led to one of the worst turnouts. At Kalinabiri Two, only six out of 687 registered voters showed up, compared to seven during the previous week’s exercise. Stella Mutesi, a polling officer, expressed disappointment: “We were ready to work, but no one showed up.”
Four candidates are vying for the Nakawa Division Mayoral Seat: Susan Zawedde, Adam Kibuuka, Felix Ephraim Okuye, and Ismael Kayihura Gumisiriza. Meanwhile, seven are contesting for the NRM flag for Kampala Lord Mayor.
Luwero: Students, Scuffles, and Suspensions
In Luwero Town Council, polling at Kavule Zone was suspended after students from Giants Secondary School tried to vote, leading to protests over age and residency. Police intervened to disperse angry residents. District NRM Registrar Osuman Lubega defended the students, saying their names appeared in the yellow book.
Elsewhere in the district, voter turnout hovered around 20%, with residents citing apathy, poor organization, and mistrust of previous outcomes.
Kabale: Priests, Protests, and Press Ejections
In Kabale District, tempers flared at multiple polling centers. At Kibikuura, incumbent LC5 chairperson Nelson Nshangabasheija’s supporters halted the vote, demanding a register-based process. Election officials were forced to read out names manually.
In Rushoroza, chaos broke out at St. Maria Theresa polling station after Rev. Fr. Austin Christman was accused of blocking rival supporters and evicting journalists. In Katuna Town Council, another vote was disrupted after students attempted to vote, prompting community backlash.
Nakaseke: Delayed Starts, Imported Voters
In Butalangu Town Council, tensions escalated when non-registered voters were bussed in. NRM Registrar Paul Tandeka halted proceedings, insisting only those in the yellow book could vote. Voting resumed at 1:00 PM. Elsewhere in Nakaseke, the process was largely calm but marred by apathy and delays.
The LC5 race in Nakaseke features incumbent Ignatius Koomu Kiwanuka, former Ngoma Town Council Chairperson Wasswa Taddeo Ziritwawula, and Charles Mwebaze.
Nationwide Concerns and Legitimacy Questions
The primaries have laid bare the NRM’s internal struggles to manage a credible and efficient internal electoral process. From low civic engagement to outright manipulation, party members and the public alike are questioning the integrity of these preliminary polls.
With general elections on the horizon, the NRM faces growing pressure to address internal flaws, ensure transparent reruns where necessary, and restore public trust in its democratic credentials.
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