Mwesigye absence stirs NRM meeting

Kabale- Tempers flared during a consultative meeting of Kabale District NRM party leaders on Tuesday when some members demanded to know why Ms Hope Mwesigye was absent.

Ms Mwesigye is the NRM district chairperson and a sister-in-law to sacked prime minister Amama Mbabazi, whose perceived presidential bid for 2016, has sparked a rift among the party ranks.

The meeting in Kabale Town comprised only members of the district NRM delegates conference.

It was chaired by the Minister for the Presidency, Mr Frank Tumwebaze, who was flanked by MPs Jim Muhwezi (Rujumbura), Chris Baryomunsi (Kinkizi East) and NRM Party Caucus deputy chairperson David Bahati.

The delegates also blocked a plot by some members to move a vote of no-confidence in Ms Mwesigye, claiming she had disappeared from them after losing the district Woman MP race in 2011.

The NRM chairman for Central Division, Mr Robert Matsiko, the district female youth leader, Ms Pamela Byensi, and Ms Hope Keito, a member of the NRM Women’s League, tasked Mr Tumwebaze to explain why Ms Mwesigye was not in the meeting.
Their demand drew wild cheers from the delegates and Mr Tumwebaze asked the Resident District Commissioner Darius Nandinda to explain why Ms Mwesigye was not present. Mr Nandinda said he had tried to reach Ms Mwesigye by telephone but failed because her number was not available.

Mr Tumwebaze said the meeting was aimed at delivering President Museveni’s message on poverty eradication and prosperity for all.
Mr Matsiko told Daily Monitor later that they were saddened by Ms Mwesigye’s absence and the move by some delegates to present a vote of no confidence against her.

“I am happy that the move failed after its supporters realised it was not the right forum,” he said.

Mr Nandinda said he had received information about the move to oust Ms Mwesigye during the meeting but added that the issue was not formally tabled for discussion.

He said some delegates only asked the government to reconcile with Ms Mwesigye to resolve the fallout.

Ms Hope Mwesigye said even if she had been invited, she would not have attended the meeting because it was against the NRM party rules.
“...NRM leaders should stop usurping powers if party cohesion is to be achieved,” Ms Mwesigye said.

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