Tensions rise within the National Resistance Movement (NRM) as Dokolo district councilors plan backing an independent candidate for the upcoming by-election in Dokolo district. The move stems from alleged unpaid funds owed to party flagbearers during the 2021 General Election, amounting to over 80 million Shillings.
The funds, designated to facilitate party flagbearers for the district council and various leagues, including youth, disability, and women, were expected to be disbursed in February 2021. However, candidates have yet to receive the promised one million Shillings each, prompting dissatisfaction among party members.
During the NRM Expanded District Delegates conference at Dokolo Technical Institute, Tony Odongo, the NRM Caucus chairperson, revealed the discontent among district councilors and sub-county leaders. They are considering throwing their support behind an independent candidate unless their demands are met.
Rose Namayanja Nsereko, the NRM Deputy Secretary General, countered the claims, stating that the allocated funds were released from the party treasury and are traceable to the district. She urged leaders not to exploit the by-election as leverage against the party, encouraging them to rally behind the NRM flagbearer while efforts were made to address their grievances.
Felix Okot Ogong, the Dokolo North Member of Parliament, suggested directing financial support directly to village teams to mitigate such disputes in future elections.
Meanwhile, Rosemary Seninde, the NRM Director for Mobilization, cautioned against supporting independent-NRM-leaning candidates warning that such divisions could pave the way for opposition victory, referencing the Oyam By-election.
In response, Beatrice Abang, an independent-leaning candidate and the District NRM Chairperson, withdrew from the race to support the NRM flagbearer. However, Irene Amongi Ajwika, another independent candidate, reaffirmed her candidacy, prioritizing representation for the people of Dokolo over party allegiance.
Despite Abang’s withdrawal, four other independent NRM-leaning candidates remain in the race to succeed the late Cecilia Atim Ogwal. The unfolding dynamics highlight the complexities surrounding the by-election and internal rifts within the NRM.
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