“3 in a row”: NRM in Amolatar fails to elect flag bearers for speakership 

The NRM caucus in Amolatar district has once again failed to elect its flag bearers for speaker and deputy speaker positions.

This is the third consecutive time the party has been unable to fill these critical roles ahead of Thursday’s district council sessions.

The meeting convened to hold the elections, overseen by NRM district registrar Andrew Ojok and NRM district chairperson Kamilo Olwit, began around midday on Wednesday.

However, of the 24 councillors affiliated with NRM, fewer than 10 were present, falling short of the quorum needed to proceed. The absent councilors reportedly refused to participate, citing that they had accepted money from all five candidates vying for the speakership and deputy speaker posts.

NRM caucus chairperson Grace Amoli revealed that several councillors declined to align behind any candidate despite having received funds from aspirants, a move that has raised ethical concerns within the party ranks.

Kamilo Olwit expressed deep disappointment over the conduct of the Amolatar NRM caucus. He underscored the importance of unity and adherence to party guidelines, pointing out that nationwide instructions mandated elections to be held a day before the first council meeting.

“How do we proceed with elections tomorrow when the NRM has not even selected its flag bearer?” he questioned, highlighting the organizational challenges.

Adding to the internal divisions, Kamilo Otaka, the district councillor representing individuals with disabilities, attributed the failures to factionalism within the party.

He alleged that some absentee councillors were being shielded by one of the candidates and confirmed that while some councilors accepted money from all contestants, those present at the meeting were true NRM cardholders who had not received any such funds.

Ketty Etap, another councillor representing individuals with disabilities, expressed frustration with the party’s deteriorating image in Amolatar.

She warned that the continued misconduct by the NRM might push her into joining the opposition, emphasising her long-standing support for the party and lamenting the current decline in its relevance.

In light of the insufficient quorum, councillor Mike Awio of Muntu called on the NRM leadership to allow interested candidates to contest the speakership and deputy speaker positions in tomorrow’s elections without the need for a party flag bearer.

Following the chaotic meeting, the NRM leadership resolved that no flag bearers would be elected for the two positions.

Speaking to reporter Eumu Patrick Kauma, an unnamed candidate opposed the election of a flag bearer within the party, arguing that it could jeopardise their chances in the upcoming elections.

Francis Opio Obote, a contender for the speakership, appealed to his fellow NRM councilors to maintain respect for the party and its institutions during such crucial meetings, stressing the importance of discipline for the party’s success.

Nam Eve Tyan, also contesting for the speakership, acknowledged the value of the NRM but criticised the current behavior of its members in Amolatar for eroding public trust.

She confirmed her intention to participate in the election tomorrow regardless of the caucus’s failure to endorse a flag bearer.

Deputy speaker aspirant Oyuku Kaguta suggested that allowing candidates to run as independents could improve the NRM’s chances of winning the respective seats in the election.

With the new district chairperson and councillors scheduled to be sworn in alongside the speakership and deputy speaker on Thursday, it is clear that no candidate will represent the NRM banner due to the party’s inability to select flag bearers ahead of the polls.

This impasse signals a turbulent phase for the NRM caucus in Amolatar, highlighting issues of factionalism, lack of discipline, and financial inducements that threaten to undermine the party’s dominance in the district.