The National Resistance Movement Electoral Commission has rolled out a detailed roadmap to guide party primaries for the vacant LC5 chairperson seat in Kikube District, following the death of chairperson-elect Peter Vanura.
Speaking at the party headquarters on Wednesday, Commission member Alisemera Jane Babiiha said the programme has been harmonized with the Electoral Commission to ensure an orderly and credible process ahead of the by-election.
Babiiha confirmed that the roadmap takes immediate effect, with the expression of interest and collection of nomination forms already underway and expected to close on May 6 at the party’s Electoral Commission offices. Aspirants will be formally nominated on May 7 and 8.
The exercise will proceed with the drawing of the campaign schedule on May 9 at the Kikube District Election Office, paving the way for joint campaigns from May 10 to May 20. During the same period, village-level updates and verification of the voters’ register will be conducted.
Polling for the NRM primaries is set for May 22, after which results will be declared to determine the party flag bearer. The successful candidate will then be presented for official nomination by both the NRM Secretariat and the national Electoral Commission between May 25 and 26 at the district headquarters.
Babiiha emphasized that all contenders must meet strict requirements, including being Ugandan citizens aged 18 and above, registered members of the NRM, and residents of Kikube District. Aspirants must also possess a minimum qualification of Advanced Level education or its equivalent, subject to verification.
She noted that public servants, members of the armed forces, and cultural leaders are barred from participating in the race. Additionally, each aspirant is required to pay a non-refundable fee of one million shillings through a designated bank account.
Addressing concerns about possible favoritism, Babiiha dismissed claims that relatives of the late Vanura could receive special consideration, insisting the Commission will remain impartial.
“No candidate will be given an advantage. Whether related to the deceased or not, all aspirants will be subjected to the same rules,” she said.
She further warned against attempts to drag the Commission into local political interests, stressing that its mandate is strictly to organize and oversee a free and fair electoral process.
The Kikube LC5 seat became vacant after Vanura’s death, prompting the start of a by-election process, with the NRM now moving to identify its candidate through internal primaries.
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