Rukiga, Uganda – The former RDC Sheema District Frank Kyerere, has emerged victorious as the District NRM Chairperson, defeating Akampikaho Alex, the former LC V Chairperson of Rukiga district.
Kyerere secured 164 votes, while Akampikaho garnered 60 votes out of the eligible NRM district voters, winning by a significant margin.
The election process was disrupted at the outset when Mr. Muhwezi Andrew, husband of the Rukiga district woman Member of Parliament, attempted to gain unauthorized access to the NRM electoral center at the District headquarters. He was promptly escorted out by security personnel.
After the electoral process, Frank Kyerere addressed the media, acknowledging the significant task ahead of him in restructuring the party, which has been without a District leader since the tragic death of Apollo Nyegamehe last year.
Kyerere announced plans to establish a disciplinary committee to address party grievances, citing the tendency of some members to break party rules by running as independents.
“My next step after this resounding victory is to restructure our NRM party and restore its former glory, which was shaken following the passing of our former Chairperson, the late Apollo Nyegamehe. The interim leadership fell short, and I’m committed to establishing a disciplinary committee to address party grievances and curb the trend of members opting to run as independents,” Kyerere noted.
He also extended his commendations and congratulations to Hon. Sylvia Alinaitwe, the aspiring Woman MP for Rukiga, whose team won various NRM seats with an overwhelming majority of over 90% of eligible voters.
The newly elected Women’s League Chairperson, Hon. Kyarisiima Moreen, described the NRM party elections as smoothly conducted, with a focus on reviving the party’s glory, which had waned since the death of Apollo Nyegamehe.
Kyarisiima pledged to provide strong leadership and work towards uniting party members, particularly those who were divided during the elections.
“I’m grateful to the women for entrusting me with this responsibility, and as their new leader, I pledge to serve them diligently. As women, we have specific priorities that need attention within the party, such as increasing women’s representation in key positions in the district. I’ll work tirelessly to provide good leadership and ensure our voices are heard,” Kyarisiima said.
Hon. Akampurira Oscar, who retained his position as General Secretary of the NRM Workers League, expressed gratitude to party workers for recognizing his competence.
He pledged to work diligently to serve them and assured that he would strive to bring on board all stakeholders to promote the welfare of workers in the district.
“I’ve represented workers in the LC V council, and when I was sent here to represent them, I was overwhelmingly elected as district speaker. I believe my track record shows I’ve delivered for them, which is why they’ve recognized my efforts. I pledge to continue serving as their voice and working hard to promote their welfare,” Oscar stated.
In other election outcomes, Hon. Kiconco Patrick Katabazi (KP), an aspiring Rukiga County MP, was elected Rukiga district NRM Treasurer, while Hon. Atukunda Abigail, a former woman MP, was elected unopposed as NRM Women’s League Chairperson.