On Wednesday, the Kololo Ceremonial Grounds turned into the epicentre of political activity as the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) held its National Delegates Conference, where leaders were elected to steer the party into its next term.
While some winners were announced, several elections were either suspended or postponed.
President Yoweri Museveni and Hajji Moses Kigongo were endorsed unopposed as NRM National Chairperson and First National Vice Chairperson respectively.
The most closely watched contest was between Speaker of Parliament Anita Among and First Deputy Prime Minister Rebecca Kadaga for the position of NRM Second National Vice Chairperson (Female). Among emerged victorious with 11,680 votes against Kadaga’s 902 votes.
In the Western Region, Engineer Jonard Asiimwe was declared NRM Vice Chairperson after securing 4,044 votes (58.9%) against State Minister for ICT and incumbent Chris Baryomunsi, who managed 2,303 votes (33.6%).
In the Eastern Region, incumbent Mike Mukula withdrew from the race for Vice Chairperson, endorsing David Calvin Echodu, who was subsequently declared unopposed.
Similarly, in the Buganda Region, incumbents Godfrey Kiwanda, Eng. Joseph Sewava, and Hakim Kyeswa stepped down, leaving the race between Fred Kalangwa and Haruna Kasolo. Kasolo was declared winner.
Government Chief Whip Denis Hamson Obua won the Vice Chairperson seat for Northern Region after defeating Sam Engola and Daniel Fred Kidega.
Former government spokesperson Ofwono Opondo was elected NRM flagbearer for Member of Parliament (Older Persons, Eastern Region), defeating incumbent Dominic Gidudu Mafabi, the current Minister of State for the Elderly.
Kampala Mayor, Salim Uhuru was declared winner of the National Vice Chairperson position, Kampala Region. Lokii John Baptist, was declared winner of the Vice Chairperson position, Karamoja Region.
Security Minister Gen Jim Muhwezi, also Rukungiri NRM Chairperson, lost to Rtd Lt Moses Mushabe in the race for NRM (CEC) National Chairperson of the Veterans League.
President Museveni suspended elections for the NRM Entrepreneurs League following explosive allegations of bribery and irregularities in the contest between businessmen Hassan Basajjabalaba and Ceasar Mulenga.
Meanwhile, Adrine Kobusingye was elected National Chairperson of the NRM Women’s League, Arinaitwe Rwakajara won as Workers MP flagbearer and Chairperson of the Workers League, Shafik Mwanje secured victory as Chairperson of the PWDs League, and Penina Busingye Kabingani was elected Chairperson of the Elders’ League.
