As the debate on the amendment of the Presidential age cap heated up, disagreements seemed to be shifting to district leadership of the ruling party. In Bulambuli district, disagreements were threatening to tear-up the NRM as the members disagreed over the amendment of the Constitution that would give the incumbent President Museveni leeway to contest for the 6th elective term. A consultative meeting was organized by the Minister of Energy and Mineral Development Irene Muloni held at Bulambuli Town Council and NRM party members failed to agree on the way forward. Disagreements began when the Minister asked members to put up their hands and say something about the proposed amendment. Those who were known to be against were not picked sparking off confrontations. Those against stormed out of the hall seeking shade under tree canopies to regroup.
The group accused Museveni of failing to deliver services to the recently created district and the whole country. “They only called people they know. They went and sat in front and they refused us other district leaders to give in views. At the end of the day, it is a team of 20 people who have resolved on behalf of the district.” “And we are the supervisors of the Sub-county, the Gombola Chief gets 1 million but as we are the leaders of the Sub-county we get a low pay.” “In fact, if they add other things which you see that we had avoided doing, we can say that we add but now we are suffering.”
Others openly told the Minister to advise the President who will be 76 and therefore bad to re-contesting under the current law to learn to groom young leaders. “He has to groom us, in fact, this is the message, Hon. MP and the Minister should take back that the young people of Bulambuli say start grooming them such that by the time he leaves, peace and stability remains.” But Muloni defended the government’s performance in the district and asked the leaders to be appreciative. “There is no harm in them having their views but it is important that you engage them and that’s why the issue of consultations becomes very important because it enables you to hear.” Said, Irene Muloni – Energy Minister.
