286 MPs pick NRM forms as nominations take shape

A total of 286 incumbent and aspiring Members of Parliament (MPs) yesterday picked nomination forms seeking to run on the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party ticket in the 2021 General Election.

The NRM electoral commission chairperson, Dr Tanga Odoi, said of the 286 aspirants, 80 are from eastern region, 69 from western region, 40 from northern region, 72 from the central region, 11 from Karamoja and seven from special interest groups.
“This shows you the kind of interest people have in the party. We are an organised and accountable party. Picking and returning of nomination forms ends on July 30 and we shall not extend because we have to move to another level,” Dr Odoi said.
A number of ministers and some Opposition politicians were seen picking NRM nomination forms yesterday.

Among those who picked the forms include Vice President Edward Ssekandi (Bukoto Central), former Energy minister Irene Muloni (Bulambuli), East African Legislative Assembly MP Susan Nakawuki, State minister for Water Ronald Kibuule (Mukono North) and Internal Affairs Minister Jeje Odongo (Orungo County). Others are Presidency minister Esther Mbayo (Luuka Woman), Former Vice President Gilbert Bukenya (Busiro North), Mr Patrick Ogwanga (Oyamu South), FUFA president Moses Magogo (Budiope East), former URA commissioner for domestic taxes Dicksons Kateshumbwa (Sheema Municipality), former Attorney General Fred Ruhindi (Nakawa Division) and Ms Lillian Aber (Kitgum Woman).

Prof Bukenya, the former Busiro North MP, told journalists that he has experience in politics, the reason he is seeking a term in Parliament to do what others have failed.
Mr Kibuule said he is targeting the creation of 100,000 jobs for the youth in his constituency and extension of better services.

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Museveni seeks to extend rule to four decades, declared sole candidate

NRM electoral boss said only President Museveni had picked the nomination forms for party presidency thus rendering him a sole candidate for the position

Ms Muloni on the other hand said her voters have been experiencing a number of floods and landslides in her constituency and she is here to follow up what the government promised to do for the victims.

Some Opposition politicians, who were recently appointed ministers in government, also picked NRM forms.
They are Ms Beti Kamya (Lands) who picked forms for Rubaga North, Ms Florence Nakiwala Kiyingi (State, Youth and Children Affairs) who picked the forms for Bukomansimbi, and Ms Beatrice Anywar (State, Environment) who also picked forms for Kitgum Municipality. Bukedea Woman MP Anita Among, formerly a member of FDC, also picked NRM forms.
Buyaga West MP Barnabas Tinkasimire, who was declared by the People Power pressure group as one of their coordinators, also picked the nomination forms for NRM.

Museveni unopposed

At the same function, President Museveni was declared unopposed for the party presidency and chairperson.
Dr Odoi said the deadline for picking the nomination forms for the two positions ended on July 22 when only Mr Museveni had expressed interest thus rendering him sole candidate.
He also said former Makindye MP John Ssimbwa, who had picked nomination forms for national party chairperson, did not pay the fees before the deadline.
However, Mr Ssimbwa threatened to sue the party, saying the road map indicated that members were supposed to express interest and pick nomination forms between July 20 and July 22 before they return them between July 27 and July 28 and that he was planning to return his on July 28.