Pressure Groups Worry NRM Officials

The establishment of pressure groups by NRM supporters in Kyenjojo and Kabarole districts ahead of the 2016 general elections is worrying party officials.

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The groups consist of members who contested and lost the 2011 NRM primaries.

More than 400 members have far registered to join the pressure group. Last year, security officials together with Kabarole district NRM officials blocked the group from presenting a petition to President Yoweri Museveni during his visit to the district.

Steven Mwirumubi, the chairperson of the pressure groups says they were formed to advance the interests of voters in Tooro since the party has not delivered on its promises such as the construction of the Kyenjojo-Kagadi road.

Mwirumubi also says it’s unfortunate that Tooro region has only two ministers yet it supported NRA rebels and overwhelmingly voted for President Museveni in the 2011 elections.

The two ministers are Aston Kajara, the state minister for investment and finance and local government minister Adolf Mwesige.

James Byamukama, the Kyenjojo district NRM chairperson says the group is not a big deal since voters are aware of the achievements of NRM. He is however, worried that the group may unite with opposition supporters and affect NRM support in Kyenjojo district.

Eunice Abomugisha, a member of the NRM Think tank says the purpose of the group is to sensitize NRM members in the district to realize that despite voting for Museveni and NRM candidates, they were neglected immediately after elections.

She cites some of the unfulfilled pledges like compensation of families that were affected by the Allied Democratic Force (ADF) rebellion.

She says unless the pledges are fulfilled, they will not vote for any NRM candidate.

Yakubu Gowan, the Kabarole district NRM spokesperson downplays the threat of the group. He says the party is engaged in recruiting more support in grass root areas like villages.

He however says that the district party leadership plans to meet members of the group.

With the exception of Kasese, NRM received over whelming support in other districts in the region in the previous elections.

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