NRM Primaries: ONC’s Namyalo makes stop at Kampala, Wakiso tally centers, demands swift transmission of results

Wakiso, Uganda: Senior Presidential Advisor and ONC Manager Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo Uzeiye on Thursday stepped in to demand swift transmission and declaration of results at the Wakiso District NRM Tally Centre amid rising tensions over delays in the ruling party’s primaries.

Hajjat Namyalo’s intervention came after candidates and their agents raised concerns about unexplained delays in tallying and declaring results across the district. During her visit, she met with District Registrar Mr. Shaban Kawooya, candidates, and polling agents to urge calm, transparency, and accountability.

However, situation grew tense when Andrew Kiryowa, one of the candidates, publicly accused polling officials of deliberate foul play and intentional delays.

In response, Hajjat Hadijah made direct phone calls to several polling station registrars across Wakiso, instructing them to expedite result submissions to the tally centre.

“We must respect the will of the people. Any unnecessary delays only raise suspicion and undermine trust in the process. If polling ended at midday, why the delay?” Hajjat Hadijah demanded.

Earlier in the day, Hajjat Hadijah had made an impromptu stop at the Kawempe District NRM Tallying Centre at Makerere University as part of her ongoing monitoring of the party’s primary elections in Kampala.

Here, Hajjat was briefed by Ms. Jane Kabahweza, District Registrar for Kawempe, who assured her of the progress in the tallying process. She commended officials for their efforts but underscored the need for speed and transparency.

“We appreciate the work being done here, but it’s important to move swiftly and maintain transparency so that our people can trust the process,” Hajjat said.

Speaking to the press at a morning spot-check at Standard Polling Station in Nakasero II Parish, Hajjat reported a generally peaceful process across Kampala, despite minor logistical hiccups, such as complaints of missing names on the voter register.

“Yes, there have been a few concerns about missing names, but overall, the process is calm. People are turning up, and the system is working,” she noted.

The ONC Manager’s visit is part of a wider oversight mission across Kampala and Wakiso aimed at ensuring the smooth, credible, and peaceful conduct of the NRM primaries.

Hajjat Hadijah is expected to continue her monitoring visits across the Kampala Metropolitan Area in the coming weeks of the NRM primaries to ensure the primaries are concluded smoothly and in accordance with the ruling party’s regulations.