Africa-Press – Uganda. As the National Resistance Movement (NRM) gears up for its primaries in Mityana District, tensions have emerged among party aspirants over the new joint campaign strategy.
Several candidates have voiced frustrations, arguing that the plan was rolled out without sufficient consultation and threatens to limit their ability to connect individually with voters.
The joint campaign approach, officially launched this week by the NRM, is intended to streamline electioneering efforts and foster internal unity ahead of the primaries.
However, some aspirants see the policy as a potential source of renewed rivalry rather than reconciliation.
Esther Ndyanabo, who is contesting for the Mityana Municipality parliamentary seat, criticized the strategy for curbing candidates’ freedom to present their distinct visions.
“This system wasn’t adequately discussed. We feel it limits our individual ability to reach out to voters and explain our unique visions,” she said.
Similarly, Saul Nyakana Kalwanga warned that joint rallies might sow confusion among voters and deepen mistrust among contestants.
“Joint campaigns may look good on paper, but on the ground, they can deepen mistrust among candidates and confuse voters,” he noted.
At the launch event, Faith Tumwebaze, Chairperson of the Mityana District NRM Electoral Commission, read out the official list of candidates cleared to contest.
She also delivered a firm warning that any aspirant operating outside the party’s joint campaign framework risks disqualification.
“Let me be clear, no candidate will be allowed to operate outside the party’s agreed framework. Anyone who disrespects or defies the campaign rules will be disqualified,” Tumwebaze declared.
“If you have concerns, follow the right procedures. We are building party discipline, not breaking it.”
Tumwebaze stressed that the joint campaign model seeks to reduce internal rivalry and promote harmony among NRM members, a crucial objective as the party aims to reclaim ground lost to the National Unity Platform (NUP) in the last general election.
The NRM’s 2021 setbacks in parts of Mityana have intensified pressure on the party to present a united front.
Despite the emerging disagreements, official campaign activities are set to commence tomorrow, with all candidates expected to adhere to the joint campaign guidelines.
With the primaries fast approaching, the party faces the delicate task of balancing strict discipline and managing the growing concerns among grassroots aspirants.
How well it navigates this internal tension could shape its fortunes in Mityana and beyond.
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