By BM Musanje
The National Unity Platform’s vetting exercise for party candidates has ignited intense discussions among politicians.
NUP’s Electoral Management Committee announced that today and tomorrow will be the final days for vetting candidates who missed the initial dates.
On NBS TV’s popular political talk show, Barometer Kassameeme, hosted by Adam Kungu, NUP Deputy Spokesperson Alex Waiswa Mufumbiro explained the party’s decision to adopt the vetting process.
Mufumbiro was joined by prominent panelists, including Hon. Betty Nambooze, Mukono Municipality Member of Parliament; Charles Rwomushana, a political analyst; Mubarak Munyagwa, former Kawempe South MP; and Haruna Kasolo Kyeyune, State Minister for Microfinance and Small Enterprises.
Mufumbiro stated that the vetting process is designed to identify leaders with both quality and people’s support, given the restrictive environment in which they operate.
He emphasized that the process is open to everyone, regardless of social class, with 40% of the evaluation based on understanding the party’s core principles and one’s capabilities, and 60% based on the power of the people.
The vetting process has raised questions about its effectiveness and fairness.
Rwomushana wondered whether the vetting committee would be able to vet all candidates and questioned whether harmonization goes against democracy.
Mubarak Munyagwa, former Kawempe South MP, said the Electoral Commission is doing NUP a disservice and reminded the public that democracy is a game of numbers where people should be allowed to choose their leaders.
Hon. Betty Nambooze, Mukono Municipality MP, defended the vetting process, saying it ensures NUP fronts its best candidates.
She noted that the system was used in the last elections, which helped the party get many leaders in a short time. Nambooze also questioned the government’s priorities, saying it seems to have money for NRM primaries but not for LC1 elections.
