The National Resistance Movement (NRM) district chairman for Kikuube, Francis Kazini, has suspended Bugambe Sub-county NRM chairman Nelson Atiche, citing his alleged support for independent candidates and repeated absence from party mobilisation meetings.
Speaking during a meeting with NRM flag bearers in Kikuube on Thursday afternoon, Kazini, who is also MP for Buhaguzi County, told the media that Atiche had repeatedly failed to attend party meetings and was backing independent candidates, including councilors and Buhaguzi East MP aspirant Julius Junjura.
"We have called Atiche several times but he never turns up, even today we invited him to our planning meeting but he has not come. He is suspended for indiscipline and supporting independents," Kazini said, adding that the party would now work with the vice chairperson and had informed the NRM Secretariat of the decision.
In response, Atiche denied the allegations, saying he had not been invited to any meetings, including the Thursday gathering.
He accused Kazini of targeting him for political reasons linked to party structure elections.
"I know that must be Kazini saying that. I called the RDC this morning about certain issues, but no one called me for the meeting. Suspend me? The people who elected me still trust me. My term is five years; let them wait and start talking then," Atiche said.
Atiche currently serves as the NRM chairman for Bugambe Sub-county, Katanga Parish councillor, and speaker of Bugambe Sub-County, positions he says remain valid despite the suspension.
