NRM Chairperson in Bukomansimbi Proposes Scrapping Primaries

Shafick Mwanje, the NRM Chairperson for Bukomansimbi District, has sparked heated debate with his proposal to abolish party primaries in the district ahead of the 2026 general elections.

Mwanje argues that the move will strengthen party unity and improve NRM's chances of reclaiming key positions lost to the National Unity Platform (NUP) in the 2021 elections.

The proposal has divided opinion among party members, with critics branding it undemocratic and contrary to the party's core principles.

The debate has been particularly contentious concerning the district Woman Member of Parliament seat, where Aisha Nalujja Muyimbwa, a determined young aspirant, has rejected calls from NRM district leaders to withdraw her candidacy.

Nalujja insists on contesting for the seat despite attempts to favor Ruth Katushabe, who lost the Bukomansimbi North parliamentary race in 2021.

Nalujja stated, "I will not step down from the Woman MP race. The people of Bukomansimbi deserve better, and I am determined to represent them."

Muhammad Walugembe, who announced his candidacy for the district chairperson position, has also criticized Mwanje’s leadership.

Walugembe and his supporters accuse Mwanje of manipulating party structures to impose his preferred candidates, a move they claim will deepen divisions within the district.

Walugembe said, "I would have agreed with Mwanje’s proposal if there was transparency, but he lacks it. We cannot accept favoritism and manipulation."

Yaasi Masimbi, chief campaigner for Aisha Nalujja, described the proposal as a violation of NRM's constitution and a betrayal of its democratic values.

Masimbi argued,"Scrapping internal elections undermines our principles of transparency and democracy. Unless President Museveni directs otherwise, we will not accept this move."

Masimbi further accused party leaders of denying grassroots members access to party cards in an attempt to stifle competition.

Some members, like Badru Muganga, NRM spokesperson for Kibinge Sub-county, have defended Mwanje’s proposal as a necessary step to avoid internal disputes.

Muganga argued that conflicts from the 2021 primaries had significantly contributed to NRM's poor performance in Bukomansimbi.

Muganga said the focus should be on unity to avoid a repeat of past mistakes.

Tanga Odoi, chairperson of the NRM Electoral Commission, distanced the party from Mwanje’s proposal, affirming that primaries remain an integral part of NRM's democratic process.

He said the proposal reflects Mwanje's personal stance and not the party's official position.

In the 2021 general elections, NRM lost significant ground in Bukomansimbi to NUP.

Veronica Nanyondo won the Woman MP seat, Christine Ndiwalana claimed Bukomansimbi North, and Geoffrey Kayemba Ssolo took Bukomansimbi South.

The district chairperson position also went to NUP.

Mwanje’s proposal is seen by some as an attempt to address these losses, but it has been met with resistance from both grassroots members and aspiring candidates.

Despite the growing criticism, Mwanje has remained largely silent, dismissing his detractors as lacking the influence to derail his plans.

He maintains that his focus is on securing victory for NRM in Bukomansimbi, and he believes the results will validate his strategy.