A group of NRM MPs who lost in the party’s primaries claim they have received approval from President Museveni, to contest as independents in the upcoming general elections. Led by Anthony Esenu, the MP for Kapelebyong, the group says they met Museveni last weekend in Arua to discuss their grievances.
“We were invited by the chairman to Arua, where we presented our concerns about the irregularities that marred the primaries. We informed him of our readiness to appeal to the public, who we believe will deliver justice,” Esenu told journalists.
He added that Museveni approved their decision to run as independents and provided guidance, particularly in constituencies with strong opposition.
“The chairman advised that in areas with strong opposition, the NRM-leaning independent and the official NRM candidate should negotiate and agree on a strategy. However, in areas with weak opposition, both the independent and the cardholder can compete favorably,” Esenu explained.
The MPs emphasized their loyalty to the NRM and their commitment to campaigning for Museveni’s presidency.
“We remain NRM members, and our candidate is President Museveni. We will work to secure his votes,” said Esther Mbayo, the Woman MP for Luuka.
Theodore Ssekikubo, who lost the NRM card to Gen Emmanuel Rwashande in Lwemiyaga,said “those who snatched the card will have to face the consequences after the elections.”
More than 100 sitting MPs lost their bids in the NRM primaries and have since accused the party’s electoral commission of mismanaging the process.
