Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa today officially picked nomination forms at the National Resistance Movement (NRM) headquarters in Kampala to contest for the Ruhinda North seat in Mitooma for the 12th Parliament.
Addressing the media after picking the forms, Tayebwa urged party supporters to rally behind him and emphasized the importance of unity and adherence to NRM regulations in the upcoming elections.
Tayebwa, who has represented Ruhinda North since 2016, expressed gratitude to the chairperson of the NRM Electoral Commission, Dr. Tanga Odoi, for overseeing a seamless nomination process.
“When Dr. Tanga issues instructions, you have no option of taking shortcuts or sending assistance. You have to come yourself,” Tayebwa said, commending the commission’s strict adherence to procedure. He encouraged aspiring candidates to participate early and follow the stipulated guidelines, including those who might challenge him for the seat.
Highlighting the importance of grassroots leadership, Tayebwa stressed that strong local leaders are essential for the success of the NRM and President Museveni.
“If we local leaders are not strong on the ground, are not present on the ground, then there is no way our President will be strong on the ground,” he said.
He emphasized that his campaign is not solely about retaining his seat but ensuring the NRM’s broader success in Ruhinda North.
Tayebwa also reflected on his tenure, noting the collaborative efforts with local leaders and the community to drive development in the constituency.
“We have worked very closely with the community, with the local leaders. We have a unity between the constituency and the district,” he said, pledging to continue these efforts if re-elected.
He attributed infrastructure improvements, such as roads, to the NRM government’s initiatives, urging voters to recognize the party’s contributions.
Addressing the upcoming NRM primaries, Tayebwa called for unity among supporters, warning against internal divisions. “This is not the time for us to do that,” he said, referring to requests for support that could fragment the party. He encouraged members to focus on galvanizing support for the NRM post-primaries, in line with the party’s electoral requirements.
In addition to his parliamentary candidacy, Tayebwa announced his intention to seek re-election as Deputy Speaker, revealing a joint campaign strategy with Speaker Anita Among.
“Me and my sister, the right honourable speaker, agreed that we shall be running a joint team effort,” he stated, expressing their shared goal to retain their respective roles in Parliament.
As the NRM primaries approach, Tayebwa called on voters to participate in the democratic process and adhere to the party’s regulations, leaving the outcome to the electorate.
“We go, we play by the rules given to us,” he said.
