The chairperson of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Electoral Commission, Dr Tanga Odoi has warned the NRM political candidates showing interest in the Kikuube LC5 by-election against unlawful code of conduct during the electoral process and behaviors which will lead to disqualification.
Odoi issued a warning during the district party delegates’ meeting with the NRM secretariat aimed at mobilising its members ahead of the by-election in Kikuube district.
“As NRM, we have come to constitute our constitutional mandate and interests – to have primary elections before we face off other parties and political players. The primary election will help us get another party flagbearer to replace the late Peter Banura who was our flagbearer,” he said.
Tanga, in his communication, said that the party has all powers to disqualify any candidate found guilty of engaging in tribalism, spreading false rumours, or causing the assassination of opponents – saying he or she will be disqualified from the race by the commission.
“Don’t kill, rumour monger others because of elections. There’s always life after elections,” he stated.
Odoi reveals that the expression of interest was officially opened from Wednesday, April 29 to May 6, 2026, at a fee of shs1 million. This amount is to be paid to the NRM party account.
The NRM party primary election will take place between May 25 and 26 ahead of the by-election on June 10, 2026.
During the meeting chaired by Odoi, eight candidates showed interests to vie for the same position under the NRM party.
Dr Sseninde Rosemary, the national NRM party mobiliser said. “It’s our party’s mandate to ensure the mobilisation of party members for unity ahead of the by-election.”
Sseninde also warned against violence during the electoral process. “Make sure that you protect yourselves from violent acts during this election since we expect many other political parties to participate with their candidates. Many people will come from outside to fight for their own candidates,” she said.
She added: “Let’s have unity, humility has to prevail over every activity throughout this election.”
“We don’t want internal fights since there will be life after the elections,” Sseninde, like Odoi, urged.
Grace Mary Mugasa, Minister of State for Public Service urged voters to exercise their voting rights. She encouraged them to vote for leaders of integrity who can foster better service delivery, rather than serving self-interests.
Mugasa also warned against looking for cheap popularity by indulging in nepotism, spreading false rumours, among others.
“If you know you are looking for popularity by causing chaos in communities, we need people with a conscience who can lead us properly. So, if you can’t, quit early and leave us in peace.”
Flora Natumanya Bahingarana, woman MP for Kikuube, said the commission should observe that there is a free and fair election in the by-election.
Stephen Itaza Asera, one of the locals, urged voters to make a proper choice in the elections to ensure better service delivery. Itaza, however, pledged support to any flag bearer during the final election.
Opio Vicent, the district vice chairman who also doubles as the district NRM vice chairperson, calls for the need to have free and fair rallies for the by-election.
Godwin Angalia, the Resident District Commissioner pledged full security assistance during the entire election process, warning local council chairmen in the district against allowing immigrants to take part in the voting process.
Asera Annet, female district councillor for Bugambe sub-county, spoke of the need to have an update on the voters’ register, saying it has been a challenge in the recently concluded general elections where some voters were left out due to their missing names on the register.
Responding to the concern, Odoi, said: “The commission is executing its mandate to rectify the register.”
Banura Peter, whose seat is up for a by-election, died on April 4, 2026, in a road crash.
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