Sironko NRM leaders decry ring-fenced positions ahead of Friday polls

Sironko, Uganda: A section of National Resistance Movement (NRM) leaders in Sironko District have raised alarm over what they describe as deliberate efforts to block them from nomination in the ongoing party elections.

Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday at Last Chance Resort in Budadiri Town Council, the leaders accused district party officials of sidelining legitimate aspirants in favor of handpicked individuals perceived to be politically loyal.

Siraji Mugonyi, who is vying for the position of NRM Chairperson for Zesui Sub-county, claimed he paid the mandatory nomination fee of Shs 50,000 but was denied a receipt. When he returned to the NRM office to follow up, Mugonyi said he was verbally abused and ejected by the administrative secretary, identified as Wilson Wambaka.

“I paid the money, but they refused to process my nomination. When I questioned them, they insulted me and threw me out like a thief,” Mugonyi said.

James Wanyala, another aspirant from Legenya Sub-county, said he was shocked to learn that nominations had already closed in his area, despite it being the official start day for submissions. He called for immediate intervention by higher party authorities to safeguard internal democracy within the party.

“How can nominations be closed on the first day? This is open sabotage. We demand justice from the NRM secretariat,” Wanyala said.

Moses Madanda also decried manipulation of lower-level results, alleging that individuals who were never elected were declared winners in his parish. He said registrars had been instructed to eliminate delegates opposed to the district party chairperson, Hajji Lumolo Mafabi.

“This is a rigging syndicate from top to bottom. We are being pushed out to pave way for puppets,” Madanda claimed.

The Assistant RDC of Sironko, Allan Wanambwa, confirmed receiving multiple complaints regarding irregularities in the party’s electoral roadmap. He appealed to NRM leaders to exhibit professionalism and impartiality, warning that favoritism was creating unrest within party ranks.

“These complaints are too many to ignore. All party staff must serve fairly and stop undermining the process,” Wanambwa told DailyExpress.

But when contacted, the NRM Administrative Secretary, Mr Wilson Wambaka, denied all allegations. He said all procedures were being followed and that no positions had been ring-fenced. He advised aggrieved members to use official channels to lodge their complaints.

Earlier in the week, a registrar in Mutufu Town Council, Sironko, was arrested and detained over allegations of electoral malpractice. Police have vowed to take firm action against anyone promoting such irregularities.