The recently concluded National NRM primary elections have been marred by hiccups and challenges that have left different areas with debate and questions about the future of the party, however, the strength and participation depicted in the process makes it clear that the party is still the strongest contender in this game.
Over a hundred incumbents have been defeated with Ministers like Dr. Elioda Tumwesigye of Sheema, Aridru of Arua, Mary Karoro Okurutu, Prof.Ephriam Kamuntu, Minister Mwesigwa Rukutana, Adolf Mwesigye, Evelyn Anite, Peter Ogwang and Beatrice Anywar losing their NRM flags to new blood.
The events that unveiled in the elections tell a story that the country needs to pay attention to, the future is bright and this must not be sidelined because of a few people that spread falsehood,
Lessons from the elections
NRM embraces democracy and this has been depicted by new blood that is holding the flags for the party. And elements of transparency have been seen with the system of lining behind the candidate. Like the president said today while at Kyadondo NRM headquarters “No one can manipulate the system of lining up and if any one manipulates, will end up in prison instead of parliament.” That’s the level of transparency that Museveni and his party find ideal.
The second lesson that the country needs to know and the entire world is that NRM still has popular support evidenced by the voters turn up that has been estimated to be more that 11 Million voters out of the 14 Million general voters registered. This clearly verifies that NRM still has the biggest electoral base.
This takes us to another pointer; NRM still has the most functional structures. There is no other party that has the capacity of holding National Primary elections. Their structures are dead and in some places where the structures exist, they do not have the support and may not even have candidates.
As the country heads towards the general elections come 2021, there is a big lesson that the NRM primaries has put across. Regardless of the hiccups and cases of violence. People love their country and still have support for the NRM. Meanwhile H.E the President condemns any actions related to disruption of free and fair elections. While addressing NRM strongholds today at Kyadondo, he made his stand clear when he condemned Voter bribery, violence and witch-hunting. He made it clear that whoever will be charged and found guilty of these acts will end up in prison instead of government
