Sembabule NRM Flagbearers Protest Alleged Endorsement Swaps

Several National Resistance Movement (NRM) flagbearers for village chairperson positions in Sembabule District’s Lwemiyaga County have lodged a formal complaint with Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Jane Kaggayi. They allege that their confirmed endorsements have been unlawfully rescinded and handed over to individuals who did not participate in the party primaries.

The aggrieved candidates claim they secured victory in the NRM primaries and possess documentation to prove it. However, during the official nomination process, they were reportedly informed that their party flags had been reallocated to other contenders, and officials refused to stamp their nomination papers.

These candidates gathered at the RDC’s office on Friday to voice their concerns, fearing they might be barred from participating in the upcoming Local Council I (LC I) elections if the issue isn’t resolved before the nomination deadline. They are appealing to the RDC and the NRM Electoral Commission to intervene and reinstate their status as the party’s official representatives.

RDC Kaggayi confirmed receiving the petitions and stated that preliminary findings suggest the complainants did indeed win their respective NRM primaries. She emphasized her commitment to a transparent electoral process and has written to NRM Electoral Commission Chairperson Dr. Tanga Odoi for guidance and decisive action.

This situation mirrors wider discontent in some areas regarding the conduct of NRM grassroots elections, with allegations of irregularities in the distribution of party symbols for LC I chairperson and village women’s committee contests. The RDC aims to ensure a swift resolution before the nomination period concludes.