By Aggrey Baba
Hajji Faruk Kirunda, the Deputy Press Secretary to the President and Special Assistant on Mobilisation, has applauded the NRM for conducting successful parliamentary primary elections, calling it a strong show of the party’s democratic spirit and grassroots strength.
Kirunda commended the NRM leadership, candidates and supporters for embracing the process with energy, discipline and commitment. In his weekely column published every Wednesday in the NewVision, he said the July 17-flagbearer elections showed that NRM remains the only true mass party in Uganda, with the ability to organise peaceful, competitive internal elections across the country.
Kirunda noted that while there were some disappointments, especially among losing candidates, this is normal in any election, and what matters most, according to him, is that the party has once again proved its capacity to organise its members and hold transparent contests without fear or favour.
Kirunda explained that NRM primaries always attract national attention because of the large number of voters and the tight nature of the races, saying other political groups often avoid internal elections due to fear of divisions, but NRM embraces them as part of its tradition of openness and popular choice.
He pointed out that the lining-up method of voting, which the party adopted in 2020, has helped reduce ballot stuffing and vote rigging. In most areas, candidates and voters were able to follow the process from start to finish.
However, he admitted that a few registrars attempted to interfere with tallying, which caused tension and some disputes.
Kirunda welcomed the firm message sent by the Party chairman YK Museveni, against acts of bribery, violence and manipulation during the elections, saying the President’s guidance showed the NRM’s commitment to fairness and discipline, and warned that anyone involved in fraud would face consequences.
He confirmed that some registrars had already been arrested for trying to alter results, and said investigations were underway to expose anyone who may have been behind such acts, stressing the need to protect the will of the people and ensure that the party remains united and focused.
To improve future elections, Kirunda advised the party to change how it recruits registrars and other election officials, proposing that these jobs be advertised openly, and that candidates be vetted through local leaders and security structures to ensure transparency.
Hajji Kirunda also suggested that NRM consider introducing a small membership fee to help manage its register and ensure that only serious, committed members participate in elections, adding that even a token amount would help improve coordination and reduce confusion at voting centres.
Kirunda thanked the majority of registrars and volunteers who carried out their work honestly and patriotically, and said their efforts should not be overshadowed by a few wrong elements.
He also urged NRM supporters, especially in urban areas like Kampala, to remain alert and active, warning that low voter turnout in such areas could weaken the NRM’s strength and give space to opposition elements.
Kirunda reminded NRM candidates that not all losses were due to rigging, but some aspirants failed because they lacked agents, preparation or proper coordination, while others, including first-time candidates, won because they had planned well and secured declaration forms at each polling station, further encouraging those who were not satisfied with the results to use the official party tribunal to seek justice, instead of causing confusion.
Kirunda said the tribunal exists to handle complaints and correct any genuine errors.
As the party prepares for tomorrow’s LC5 primaries, Kirunda called for unity, discipline and continued mobilisation at all levels, saying every election comes with lessons, and the NRM must continue improving to remain strong and trusted by the people.
In his message, Kirunda reaffirmed his confidence that NRM will remain Uganda’s leading political party, built on the values of people power, democracy and service to the nation.
