NRM primaries losers give reasons why they are defying Museveni’s directive to stand as independents
This decision stems from widespread allegations of irregularities and unfair practices during the NRM primaries, and the defiant candidates are framing their independent bids as a protest against flawed electoral processes within the ruling party.
A significant number of National Resistance Movement (NRM) Members of Parliament who failed to secure their party’s flag in the recent primaries have declared their intention to contest in the upcoming general elections as independent candidates, directly defying President Yoweri Museveni’s directive against such a move.
This decision stems from widespread allegations of irregularities and unfair practices during the NRM primaries, and the defiant candidates are framing their independent bids as a protest against flawed electoral processes within the ruling party.
The stance was clearly articulated by Anthony Esenu, the chairperson of the group of NRM MPs who lost in the primaries. Addressing the media following a Monday meeting with President Museveni at State Lodge Arua, Esenu confirmed their resolve to run independently.
While acknowledging President Museveni’s advice to either withdraw or negotiate with the official NRM flag-bearers, the defeated MPs are standing firm.
“We are only refuting the irregularities that came out of the primaries,” stated Mbarara Woman MP, Ayebare Margaret Rwebyambu, underscoring the primary reason for their defiance.
She emphasized that their decision is not an indictment of the NRM party itself, but a strong rejection of the primary election outcomes, which many believe were manipulated. “People outside there should know that we are only contesting against the results that came out in primaries. We are not contesting as independents because we are against the party.”
President Museveni, in a statement released on Tuesday, had urged the losing NRM MPs not to stand as independents, particularly in constituencies where opposition candidates are strong.
He warned that dividing the NRM vote could inadvertently hand victory to opposition rivals, citing past instances in Buganda where over 21 seats were lost due to such divisions.
“Where there are NRM and opposition candidates, I wouldn’t advise you to come as independent, because if you do and things go wrong, you will be the one to blame,” President Museveni cautioned. He also suggested that even in NRM-dominated races, independent bids could confuse voters and advocated for adherence to party discipline.
During the meeting with the President, several MPs voiced their grievances, claiming that their competitors unfairly altered results to secure victories. President Museveni acknowledged their concerns, attributing their current stance to being “provoked by selfish people.” However, he stressed the importance of how they react to such provocations.
“In this case if you are annoyed and stand as an independent, and then the other flagbearer is there, what if now you divide the vote and the opposition takes the constituency? How will you forgive yourself?” he questioned, highlighting the potential for detrimental consequences to the NRM’s electoral prospects.
The President proposed alternative solutions for those feeling cheated. He suggested pursuing legal channels if concrete evidence of electoral offenses, such as altered results, could be presented. “If it was an electoral offense, why don’t you get me the facts, if they altered the results, then we can act criminally against the people who were involved, and they end up in prison,” he urged, pointing out that legal action can be taken even after some time.
For those lacking irrefutable proof, President Museveni advised introspection and strengthening their internal political networks. He cautioned against relying on “mercenaries” as agents, advocating instead for committed individuals who align with their vision.
Despite these appeals and proposed remedies, the group of NRM primary losers appears resolute. Their decision to run as independents signals a deep-seated dissatisfaction with the internal electoral mechanisms of the NRM and a determination to challenge the established order, even at the risk of weakening the party’s overall position. The coming weeks are likely to see further negotiations, defections, and potentially significant shifts in the political landscape as these independent NRM candidates forge their own paths.
