About 580 NRM Persons with Disabilities converged at Kololo Airstrip where they were later driven to Lugogo UMA Show ground to conclude the first meeting to endorse flag bearers for the Tuesday By-election of their representative in Parliament. “We don’t expect flukers in this exercise because in every district we have five members and we have the registers.” Said, Gabriel Kato – NRM Chairperson, People with Disabilities League.
The National Vice Chairperson Al-Hajji Moses Kigongo later announced Dr. Bernard Mayanja and Achan Joyce as the official flag bearers and called for unity. “In the movement, we don’t have independents, if somebody is not willing to give you a vote; it is not a war. You should not insult that person, you should not abuse him, and he’s also free to remain in what he thinks in.” Said, Moses Kigongo – NRM Vice Chairperson. “I will also struggle so hard to lobby for five more positions of Member of Parliament such that every region will send a woman and a male Member of Parliament.” Said, Joyce Achan – Contestant. “People with Disabilities have lost trust, when you tell them am coming they know you are lying to them like the other people who lie to them. I don’t like that if I say am coming; indeed am coming.” Said, Bernard Mayanja – Contestant. The two candidates and flag bearers of the NRM who have been endorsed here at the Lugogo UMA Show ground haven’t changed since 2016. And now the electorate here has mastered the art of listening and deciding which individual they should take to the Parliament to represent persons with disabilities and that decision will be reflected in the upcoming polls.
On the 26th June, the Court of Appeal kicked out Hood Katramu and William Nokrach both independents due to bribery and lack of academic qualifications. But the delegates NTV spoke to were reluctant to vote any NRM flag bearer for the vacant positions. “I must be open, am not supporting the flag bearers according to what I have seen here. So they are most likely again to face a lawsuit.” Said, HamisKatuma – NRM Delegate. “This time round NRM will take the victory. The Secretary General is not around, the President is not around and they have sent the Vice Chairperson. While in Kagoma by-election, millions were spent and now we are bound to go back home empty handed.” Said, SalimuMawerere – NRM Delegate. If the flag bearers win in the forthcoming election, NRM legislators will increase from 297 to 299. Filling their majority in the august house.
