NRM delegates deliberating on their next move after the chaos
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I Bribery allegations, witch hunting and political passions rose high as voters at the National Delegates Conference demanded to cast their ballots for the Entrepreneurs League on Tuesday.
This followed a directive from President Yoweri Museveni, who is also the party chairman that elections for both its Entrepreneurs League and the Diaspora League be suspended until bribery investigation have been conducted.
The race for Chairperson of the NRM Entrepreneurs League to the Party’s Central Executive Committee (CEC) had narrowed into a fierce contest between businessmen Hassan Basajjabalaba and King Caesar Mulenga.
Both camps reportedly deployed massive financial resources, splashing billions of shillings to control delegates. Sources within the Party described the contest as a battle of billionaires, who were using their personal wealth to dictate the direction of the party.
Dr. Tanga Odoi NRM Electoral Commission Chairperson explained that he sought guidance from the party chairman after allegations of malpractice marred preparations at Kololo.
“This led into the issuance of the directive that elections for the two slots be suspended forthwith. But the delegates wouldn’t hear of this,” he said.
The angry delegates, most of them declaring support for businessman Hassan Basajjabalaba, shouted on top of their voices, insisting the elections had to proceed without any further delays.
Democracy over violence?
Richard Todwong, the party’s secretary General tried to calm the crowd but was repeatedly drowned out. Matters escalated when the delegates surrounded the Secretary General in the VVIP tent. Security personnel intervened, dispersing the crowd and evacuating Todwong. Even after being removed, the charged voters followed him toward the President’s tent, demanding answers.
What went wrong?
On Monday night, Presidential Advisor and businessman Basajjabalaba clashed with fellow contender Mulenga, with both accusing each other of ferrying ineligible voters. Each camp alleged that large groups of delegates were being smuggled into the election process, while others were reportedly hidden in neighboring countries to obstruct rival camps.
Before the suspension, candidates Phillip Kakuru and King Ceasor Mulenga, joined by Sanjay Tana, Mukesh Shukla, and Edison Ruyondo, petitioned the NRM Electoral Commission, calling the process fraudulent.
They cited irregularities including forged accreditation cards, delegates lacking national IDs, missing names from the official register, and voter cards allegedly distributed at a private venue owned by one of the aspirants.
During the NEC meeting at State House over the weekend, President Museveni cautioned party members against electoral malpractice that destroyed the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC).
He directed that the Entrepreneurs and Diaspora League elections be suspended until investigations are complete.
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