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Masaka NRM Conference Proposes Joint Campaigns to Avert Electoral Violence

They believe this approach will help eliminate election violence, division, and other malpractices that previously marred primary elections, ultimately strengthening the party's performance in general elections.
15 Jan 2025 07:02
John Chrysostom Nsambu, NRM delegate for Bukoto East Constituency speaking during the Masaka District Party Leaders Conference. The leaders Proposed Joint campaigns for their primaries

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Members of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) in Masaka District have proposed joint campaign meetings during their party primary elections. They believe this approach will help eliminate election violence, division, and other malpractices that previously marred primary elections, ultimately strengthening the party's performance in general elections.

The proposal emerged during a consultative meeting on the party’s constitution and electoral reforms. Members observed that past internal elections had often caused divisions among party members, impacting cohesion and creating challenges in the general elections.

Florence Owamaria, a former NRM candidate for the Masaka City Woman MP seat, emphasized the importance of the party taking control of its campaign processes. She suggested that joint campaign meetings, where all aspirants address voters simultaneously, would help prevent hate speech, blackmail, voter bribery, intimidation, and malicious campaigns.

John Chrysostom Nsambu, an NRM delegate for Bukoto East Constituency, supported the idea, arguing that it creates a level playing field for all candidates and minimizes post-primary disputes. He highlighted that reducing internal conflicts could discourage independent candidacies that disrupt the party’s performance in general elections.

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Cue out: …..kintu ekyo kibeerewo.”// 

Fred Kalema Paxi, the NRM Chairperson for Nyendo-Mukungwe, called for stricter rules to prevent military personnel from interfering in internal party campaigns, as their involvement often biases the process and contributes to unfairness. He also urged party structure leaders to maintain neutrality during internal competitions and act as impartial mediators in disputes.

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Peter Ssenkungu, the NRM Chairperson for Masaka District, noted that early consultations aim to prevent controversies that could divide members ahead of the general elections. He stated that the party is gathering member proposals to forward to the party’s secretariat for consideration in upcoming debates on reforms.

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