Mbabazi thrown out of NRM top organ

Parliament. Former NRM secretary general Amama Mbaabzi was yesterday rejected by the National Executive Committee from being a member of the Central Executive Committee, the party’s top decision making body.
The new NRM leaders yesterday celebrated a double victory when they were approved by the party’s NEC as court also dismissed a petition which had sought to block their vetting and the subsequent assumption of their respective offices.
During the NEC meeting at State House Entebbe yesterday, there was stern opposition to former prime minister Amama Mbabazi who had been nominated to the Central Executive Committee the previous day. The CEC meeting had nominated Dr Ruhakana Rugunda, Mr Mbabazi, Dr Crispus Kiyonga, Ms Amelia Kyambadde, Ms Dorothy Hyuha, Mr Michael Ssekamate and Mr Singh Katongole. However, NEC yesterday instead nominated Gen Kahinda Otafiire to take Mbabazi’s slot on CEC. Mr Museveni adjourned the NEC proceedings for two hours to convene an urgent CEC meeting to discuss Gen Otafiire’s nomination and Mbabazi’s fate.
When Museveni reconvened the NEC meeting at about 4:30pm, sources said, the list of new nominees to CEC had increased from seven to 13. The matter was put to vote by secret ballot to select the final five and Mbabazi was thrown out. Otafiire emerged top with 508 votes, Rugunda (450), Oleru Huda (399), Kiyonga (367) and Hyuha (283).
Others approved for CEC are: Bugiri Woman MP and Government Chief Whip Ms Justine Kasule Lumumba as new SG, replacing Mr Mbabazi; her deputy Mr Richard Todwong; Ms Rose Namayanja (treasurer) and her deputy Dr Kenneth Omona.
Others are: Makerere University don, Dr Tanga Odoi (Chairman of Electoral Commission); former Mbarara Municipality MP, Mr. John Kigyagi (his deputy); former Bundibugyo District Woman MP, Ms Jane Alisemera Babiiha as member.
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