The National Resistance Movement (NRM) has unveiled its roadmap for selecting a party flagbearer in the forthcoming Kikuube District LC5 chairperson by-election, setting in motion internal processes ahead of the June 10 electoral contest.
The by-election follows the death of the incumbent and former NRM flag bearer, Peter Banura Araali, prompting the ruling party to organise fresh primaries to identify a replacement.
Speaking to journalists after a district conference held at the Kikuube District Headquarters on Tuesday, NRM Electoral Commission Chairperson Tanga Odoi confirmed that the party would conduct nominations in line with electoral laws, followed by strict verification of academic qualifications.
Odoi emphasised that only candidates cleared by the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) or, in the case of foreign qualifications, the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE), would be eligible to contest.
“We have come to abide by the law, which requires us to get a replacement within a specified timeframe. Peter Banura was our flagbearer, and we must now conduct primaries to get a new one before facing other political parties and independent candidates,” he said.
He added that delegates at the conference had agreed to hold competitive primaries, with expressions of interest opening on Wednesday and running for one week.
The party also set a nomination fee of Shs 1 million for aspirants, noting that the LC5 chairperson position carries a full five-year term, necessitating a complete selection process.
According to the tentative roadmap, internal party primaries are expected to be conducted next month, while the Electoral Commission has already scheduled the by-election for June 10.
Dr Odoi cautioned aspirants against engaging in divisive campaigning, warning that any candidate found promoting sectarianism, spreading falsehoods, or engaging in character attacks would be disqualified.
“Kikuube is a cosmopolitan district. Anyone who uses ethnic sentiments or unverified allegations will be disqualified. We want to set an example, especially in this oil region where stability is critical,” he said.
He further stressed that the party’s electoral body has no preferred candidate, adding that the process would remain open and competitive.
“The winner will be one, and that is the candidate we shall support,” he said.
NRM Director for Mobilisation Dr Rosemary Seninde reiterated the party’s commitment to transparency, saying the internal processes are intended to prevent divisions and strengthen unity after the primaries.
“We cannot impose a candidate. We must listen to the people and allow them to decide through democratic processes. If we don’t do that, we risk encouraging independent candidates, which would divide the party,” she said.
She noted that consultations had already been conducted from village to district level to assess the political landscape and gather input ahead of the primaries.
Once a flag bearer is selected, she added, all party structures are expected to rally behind the candidate.
NRM Director for Communication Emmanuel Lumala Dombo said the consultations formed part of broader efforts to strengthen internal democracy and maintain the party’s support base in Kikuube.
He expressed confidence that the district remains a stronghold for the ruling party and said the NRM expects a strong performance in the upcoming by-election.
Also present at the conference were NRM Electoral Commission commissioners Jane Babiiha Alisemera and Driwaru Zaitun, who participated in the rollout of the roadmap and stakeholder consultations.
