Losing NRM candidates in Buikwe District, including Richard Ssenteza, are running as independents due to disputes with the party’s dispute resolution process.
Following contentious NRM primary elections in Buikwe District, several losing candidates have declared their intentions to run as independents, citing unresolved grievances with the party's internal dispute resolution process. The latest to join this growing wave is Richard Ssenteza, the MP for Lugazi Municipality, who announced his independent mayoral bid after allegedly facing injustice from the NRM's appeals committee.
Ssenteza, accompanied by supporters including former mayoral candidate Rosemary Namuyanja, announced his Nkoko Village office in Lugazi Municipality. He expressed frustration with the NRM's internal mechanisms: "We followed all procedures, but the committee handled our complaints with bias. Our only recourse now is the courts or running as independents."
The MP criticized the lack of transparency in the primaries, alleging widespread irregularities that favored certain candidates. He called for unity among those who felt wronged, stating they would form a coalition to challenge the official NRM candidates.
Moses Wamala, NRM Chairperson for Lugazi Central Division, acknowledged the defections but questioned their legitimacy: "We have members who lack party cards yet want to represent NRM interests." He praised Ssenteza's past contributions but urged him to respect internal processes rather than abandoning the party.
Rosemary Namuyanja, joining Ssenteza's independent movement, emphasized their commitment to fighting corruption within the party structure: "We remain prepared to cleanse our party of malpractices, even if it means taking an independent path."
Isaac Alibaho, an NRM member from Ssi Bukunjja, warned that the exodus of popular figures could undermine the party's grassroots support: "When people who genuinely worked for the party are denied opportunities, it creates disillusionment among supporters."
The situation in Buikwe reflects growing tensions within the NRM as the party prepares for general elections. Multiple candidates across various positions have rejected primary results, threatening the party's cohesion in one of its Central Region strongholds.
These defections highlight deepening internal divisions within Uganda's ruling party, particularly regarding candidate selection processes. The NRM's ability to manage these disputes will significantly impact its performance in the upcoming elections, especially in traditionally supportive regions like Buikwe.
The independent bids could split the NRM vote, potentially creating opportunities for opposition candidates in areas where the party previously dominated. This development tests both the NRM's internal democracy and its capacity to maintain discipline among members seeking electoral opportunities.
