Museveni Urges Disgruntled NRM Primaries Losers to Prioritize Party Unity Over Personal Grievances
Arua, uganda - In a candid meeting at state Lodge Arua, President Yoweri Museveni addressed a group of independent parliamentary candidates – former NRM members who lost during recent party primaries. The President strongly cautioned against fracturing the NRM vote, emphasizing the potential for opposition victories and the importance of disciplined party loyalty. This comes after several of these MPs declared their intention to run as independents, citing irregularities in the primary elections.
The meeting, attended by key figures including Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa and members of the NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC), centered on navigating the delicate balance between addressing legitimate grievances and safeguarding the party’s electoral success.
Claims of Irregularities & The President’s Response
Several MPs voiced concerns about alleged manipulation of primary results,claiming their competitors unfairly altered outcomes. President Museveni acknowledged these concerns but steered the conversation towards strategic implications. He framed the situation not as outright cheating,but as a provocation orchestrated by individuals with self-serving motives.
“The crucial question isn’t that you were provoked, but how you respond,” museveni stated, directly addressing the aggrieved MPs. He posed a critical question: “If you stand as an independent and divide the vote, what if the opposition wins? How will you live with that?”
The Peril of a Divided Vote: Lessons from Buganda
Museveni underscored the dangers of internal division, referencing past electoral setbacks. He specifically cited the previous election in Buganda, where over 21 seats were lost due to a split NRM vote between party flagbearers and independent candidates.
“This is a lesson you must heed,” he warned. “Don’t be involved in dividing the NRM. I will remain neutral in such fights, but ultimately, my support will always be with the official NRM candidate.”
He clarified his position: while he wouldn’t intervene in a contest solely between NRM candidates, he woudl unequivocally back the party’s chosen representative against any opposition.
Legal Recourse & strengthening Local Support
The President outlined a clear path for addressing legitimate grievances. He urged MPs with evidence of electoral offenses to pursue legal channels.
“If results were altered, provide the facts.We can pursue criminal charges, and there’s no statute of limitations on such crimes,” he explained. He emphasized the importance of concrete evidence, stating that investigations could lead to imprisonment for those found guilty.
However, Museveni also acknowledged the challenges of proving wrongdoing, particularly if local agents were compromised. In such cases,he advised a focus on strengthening grassroots support and building a more reliable network of committed agents.
“Compromised agents indicate a need for deeper political work. Invest in building a team dedicated to your vision,” he advised.
Financial Stability & Responsible political Engagement
Beyond electoral strategy, Museveni offered advice on financial prudence for aspiring politicians.He cautioned against entering politics while financially vulnerable or accumulating debt in pursuit of office.
* Avoid Poverty as a Barrier: He encouraged MPs to build economic stability before re-entering the political arena.
* Utilize Parliamentary SACCOs: He suggested leveraging soft loans from parliamentary Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations (SACCOs) to establish financial independence.
* Strategic Investment in Campaigns: He recommended allocating a reasonable portion – around 40% – of personal wealth to campaigns, rather then risking financial ruin.
* Debt-Free Politics: “Don’t go into debt because of politics,” he stressed. “We need stable leadership,and that starts with financial security.”
Looking Ahead
the president’s message was clear: while acknowledging the frustrations of those who lost the primaries, he prioritized party unity and strategic electoral success. He offered avenues for redress through legal channels while concurrently urging a pragmatic approach focused on preventing opposition gains. The meeting signals a firm stance from the NRM leadership on maintaining cohesion as the country prepares for upcoming elections.
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* E-E-A-T: The tone is authoritative and experienced, presenting Museveni’s perspective as a seasoned leader.