National Resistance Movement (NRM) grassroots elections in Namisambya Parish, Kitayunjwa Sub County, Kamuli District, witnessed a dramatic turn of events as voters defied a mediation attempt by the NRM Electoral Commission chairman, Tanga Odoi. The elections, already marred by three prior failed attempts, took a contentious path after Odoi intervened to resolve the intense rivalry between aspirants vying for the Bugabula South parliamentary seat.
The Bugabula South race features a crowded field of ambitious contenders, including Maurice Kibalya, Asuman Kiyingi, Thomas Kategere, and Mathew Bazanya. Allegations surfaced that these individuals had mobilized their own “brigades,” contributing to the disruption and failure of the initial three election attempts in Kitayunjwa. Specifically, Bazanya was accused of spiriting away members of the Electoral College under the pretense of a benchmarking tour, prompting his rivals to petition Odoi’s Commission, citing deep dissatisfaction with his actions.
In an effort to de-escalate tensions and prevent further disruption, Tanga Odoi stepped in to mediate. His intervention aimed to harmonize the competing interests of the aspirants, fostering a spirit of compromise and unity within the NRM structure. After discussions, the rivals seemingly reached an agreement, proposing a power-sharing arrangement across different levels.
The agreed-upon arrangement stipulated the following:
- Namisambya 1 Parish: Bazanya and Kiyingi would assume the roles of Chairman and Publicity Secretary, respectively.
- Naminage Parish: Kibalya and Kategere would take on the positions of Chairman and Secretary, respectively.
- Sub-County Level: Rebecca Kadaga would be the Chairperson, Kiyingi the Vice Chairperson, Kategere the Secretary, Kibalya the Publicity Secretary, and Bazanya would handle the Finance portfolio.
However, this carefully crafted compromise unraveled when the Electoral College convened at Namisambya Primary School on Thursday. Members of the Electoral College vehemently rejected the mediated arrangement, arguing that Tanga Odoi’s intervention was merely guidance and not a binding directive. They asserted that the power-sharing agreement violated the core NRM principles of grassroots participation and infringed upon their democratic right to choose their leaders freely.
“We appreciate the mediation efforts by our party organs, but we take it with a pinch of salt. We must follow the party election principles and allow voters to decide,” declared Aga Mutyabule, who ultimately challenged Bazanya in the subsequent election. His statement was met with resounding applause from the assembled members of the Electoral College.
Emboldened by their collective stance, the Electoral College proceeded with the voting process, defying the mediated arrangement. The results underscored the voters’ determination to exercise their democratic rights. In the election for the position contested by Bazanya, he secured a decisive victory over Mutyabule, garnering 235 votes compared to Mutyabule’s 36. Stephen Balikoowa secured a protest vote of 225 against Kiyingi’s 38.
The events in Bugabula South highlight the complex interplay between party leadership, grassroots participation, and the democratic aspirations of NRM members. While Tanga Odoi’s intervention aimed to foster unity and prevent conflict, the voters ultimately prioritized their right to choose their leaders through a free and fair electoral process. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding democratic principles within political parties and respecting the voice of the electorate at all levels.
