Africa-Press – Uganda. Moreen Kimani Nakirya Wadaga, a candidate for the National Resistance Movement (NRM) flag in the Budaka District Woman MP race, has officially withdrawn from the contest, citing electoral irregularities, bias, and violence.
In a statement issued Wednesday, Nakirya accused the district’s NRM electoral team of failing to ensure a fair and transparent process, claiming the campaigns were marred by disorganization, favoritism, and violations of party guidelines.
“I have withdrawn from the race. I assure my supporters that I will return as an independent,” she declared.
Nakirya, one of seven contenders in the race, pointed to the absence of a verifiable voter register, poor enforcement of campaign regulations, and discriminatory treatment of candidates as key reasons for her withdrawal.
She noted that while the party required joint campaign events, some candidates—particularly incumbents—were allowed to conduct parallel mobilizations, creating an uneven playing field.
She has since petitioned NRM’s National Electoral Commission Chairperson, Dr. Tanga Odoi, demanding a review of the electoral process in Budaka and calling out the commission’s failure to uphold its own guidelines.
“We gave them our money and committed to a shambolic joint campaign, only to see other candidates openly favored,” Nakirya said.
Joseph Kivunie, the NRM Election Officer for nearby Kibuku District, denied allegations of bias but admitted logistical and enforcement challenges.
“Unfortunately, I could not go to a candidate’s home to force them to join joint rallies,” Kivunie said. “We were constrained, having received no facilitation whatsoever from the NRM secretariat.”
Resident District Commissioner Ismael Hamwada Pinto confirmed that while the campaign process was largely peaceful, one person was killed in a violent clash between rival supporters of incumbent MP Robert Kasolo and fellow aspirant Michael Kawiso. The two camps reportedly defied the joint campaign schedule and held separate rallies.
Police spokesperson for Bukedi North Region, SP Wilfred Kyempasa, confirmed the fatal incident and said investigations were underway.
As the NRM prepares to hold its internal elections on Thursday, Nakirya warned that the irregularities and violence witnessed during the campaign period could undermine the credibility of the process.
“If this is how the party conducts its internal elections, it spells doom not just for Budaka but for the NRM as a whole,” she cautioned.
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