Aspirants for various positions in the upcoming National Resistance Movement (NRM) district elections in Buyende are facing significant hurdles as they attempt to register their candidacies. Allegations of deliberate obstruction by the office of the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) have surfaced, fueling suspicion and discontent amongst party members.
The registration process, which commenced on Monday, May 19, 2025, has been marred by controversy. Contrary to established protocol, the registration exercise was reportedly moved from the official NRM office administrator to the RDC’s office. This shift has raised eyebrows and sparked accusations of political maneuvering intended to disadvantage certain candidates.
Compounding the issue, the NRM office administrator’s office remained closed for much of Monday and Tuesday, leaving aspiring candidates stranded and without clear guidance. Affected members claim they were unable to reach the new administrator, Robert Baliruno, further deepening their suspicion of foul play.
The RDC’s office has been repeatedly accused by several NRM members of favoring Milly Babalanda, the Minister for the Presidency who is also vying for the Budiope West parliamentary seat, and Moses Magogo, the current MP for Budiope West. This history of alleged bias has amplified concerns about the neutrality of the registration process being conducted under the RDC’s supervision.
Mukama Tanasi, a candidate for the NRM Chairperson position in Buyende district, voiced his frustration to Busoga Times on Tuesday. “Candidates eyeing leadership in Buyende district are stuck. The registrar has abandoned them at his office at Buyende district headquarters,” he stated.
Mukama believes this disruption is a calculated move to frustrate candidates perceived as political opponents. “This party has an office, why are we carrying out party activities at the office of the RDC?” he questioned, highlighting the unusual and concerning nature of the situation.
Kitimbo Andrew, an aspirant for the NRM district vice chairperson position, expressed similar worries, fearing that the district’s political landscape is being manipulated. “The process is being hijacked,” he lamented.
Attempts to reach the RDC, Maj (Rtd) Betty Akello, and her deputy, Mathias Naikoli, for clarification were unsuccessful. Their mobile phones were unreachable, and they were unreachable via WhatsApp.
However, NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong addressed the issue during an appearance on NBS Television. He justified the involvement of RDCs by highlighting their role as heads of district security councils. He stated that the RDCs were tasked with maintaining security during the elections, a responsibility supported by the Ministry of the Presidency.
“RDCs are the chairpersons of the district security councils. We wrote to the Ministry of Presidency to support us in maintaining security during these elections, and this is why RDCs were involved,” Todwong explained.
While the NRM leadership emphasizes the security rationale for the RDC’s involvement, the concerns raised by aspiring candidates in Buyende paint a picture of a process riddled with suspicion and potential for manipulation.
The allegations of bias and the lack of transparency in the registration process threaten the integrity of the upcoming NRM district elections and could potentially lead to further unrest and division within the party in Buyende.
It remains to be seen whether the NRM leadership will address these concerns and ensure a fair and transparent electoral process.
