NRM supporters during the Central Executive Committee campaign in Gulu City
NRM does not have an opposition; the biggest problem of the NRM is within the NRM. NRM is fighting fellow NRM. We don’t want to see others succeed, that is the problem of NRM. There are some people who even have more money than the party, but they don’t want to put such money into the party.
For 38 years, National Resistance Movement Oraganization (NRM-O) party has ruled Uganda and according to its long term serving chairman and the head of state Yoweri Museveni, the party is set to hold power in the country for many more years as it is growing from strength to strength.
However, prominent party members have of late openly come out to point what they describe as ‘rot’ in it, something that they say is hindering the growth, development and the implementation of the part’s manifesto.
Capt. Mike Mukula, the NRM National Vice Chairperson for Eastern Uganda revealed that there is too much internal conflict within the party, something that is making it hard to conquer the political space of the country.
Mukula was speaking to over 500 NRM party delegates in Gulu City on 2nd August this year during his campaign to retain his seat as the party’s National Vice Chairperson for Eastern Region.
“NRM does not have an opposition; the biggest problem of the NRM is within the NRM. NRM is fighting fellow NRM. We don’t want to see others succeed, that is the problem of NRM. There are some people who even have more money than the party but they don’t want to put the money into the party.” Mukula points out
Recently, Flight Captain George Mike Mukula offered a brand new chopper for Mr. Museveni’s campaign ahead of the 2021 polls. The Airbus AS350-B2 with aircraft serial number 7295 dubbed ‘The Freedom Fighter’ has been branded Nairobi, Kenya.
Mr. Mukula who describes the NRM as a revolutionary party born out of ‘blood and sweat’ and whose core pillars are; Patriotism, Pan –Africanism, Socio-economic transformation and Democracy, is riddled by ‘greed and selfishness’, vices which are eating up the party.
“There are some people who when it comes to campaigns money given to them for the campaigns and facilitation, 90 percent of that money remains in their pockets while 10 percent is given to the party supporters.” Mukula revealed as the party delegates affirm in ululations.
“The problem within us is that, machineries are brought from the central to come and campaign in Acholi Sub-region when we have structures on the ground who are always sidelined during campaigns. The issue of bringing NRM supporters from the central to come and campaign in Acholi must stop.” He added
Mukula’s bitter truth about the weakness within the party attracted roars, thunderous hand claps and loud noise from the delegates.
Roy Robert Olal, an aspirant for Gulu West Division Parliamentary seat under the NRM party ticket told Black Star News in an interview that there are many party members who have been voting opposition candidates stealthily while supporting the party openly.
“We have some personalities who have been supporting the opposition candidates against the flag bearers of NRM but we are working hard to expose those members who are going to be fighting against the party.” Said Olal
To the members of the opposition parties, the rot that has been cited in the National Resistance Movement party is an advantage for them to rise up and conquer the political atmosphere of the country.
Gilbert Olanya, the member of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), also the Member of Parliament for Kilak South in Amuru District reveals that much as all the political parties in the country are facing series of internal unrest, the one being experienced in the ruling party is more serious, something that gives the opposition an upper hand in the fourth coming general elections.
“As we talk now, all the political parties in this country have internal problems, but what we have learnt is that, for NRM is deeper. The just concluded Central Executive Committee (CEC) elections exposed many rots in the party and more so, we are coming to the primary elections which will even divide them the more.” Says Olanya
“We are praying that the tension deepens because we shall capitalize and use it to knock NRM seriously and I am very confident that after the primary elections, very many people that will be defeated shall come to support the opposition.” Olanya adds
Betty Aol Ocan, the Gulu District Woman Member of Parliament who also doubles as the Leader of Opposition in Parliament said they are still studying the magnitude of internal conflict in the NRM before they can recruit more of their members in the opposition.
“We have to understand their fight because that is the time that we can also capture and recruit their members. For us we agreed that instead of fighting let us always sit together, listen to one another and forgive.” Aol disclosed
Aol adds that as the Bible says “If one sinner turns back to God, Heaven rejoices”, opposition parties also feels proud if an NRM member joins opposition.
“As the Leader of Opposition, I feel so happy when we recruit from NRM because that is where the ball is.” Aol points out
While addressing the members of Central Executive Committee on 20th August at State House in Entebbe, President Yoweri Museveni, NRM chairperson challenged the party members to be agents of change and that those members who are fighting government programs are headed for doom.
The NRM Electoral Commission revealed that it has nominated a total of 2,260 candidates to contest in the party primaries for Parliamentary, district chairperson and city mayor seats. The primaries are expected to kick off on September 04, 2020.
