NRM party primaries flop in Kaabong

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The National Resistance Movement-NRM Party primary elections in the Kaabong Woman MP by-election flopped. The elections were to take place yesterday, according to Dr Tanga Odoi, the chairperson of the NRM electoral commission.

However, several voters remained stranded at polling stations across the district with no voting materials or election officials. Yesterday’s vote would determine the flag holder in the forthcoming election of the area MP.

The Kaabong woman MP seat fell vacant after Rose Lilly Akello opted for the new Karenga district that became operational on July 1. Three people have so far expressed interest in the seat. They are Christine Tubo Nakwang, Agnes Napiyo and Ahmad Fardoza.

According to a roadmap released earlier by the Electoral Commission, the nomination of candidates will be held on Wednesday 28 and Thursday 29 August 2019, ahead of elections to be held on September 26, 2019.

Agnes Napiyo, one of the candidates says they have not heard any official position of the NRM party on why there were no elections. She added that they have been campaigning until Saturday when the exercise officially ended.

Francis Lowao, a voter from Lodiko Sub County said voters in his area were surprised that there were no elections today.

Dr Tanga Odoi, the NRM Electoral Commission Chairman said the elections were affected by the late arrivals of polling materials adding that because of time constraints, the party may consider negotiating with the candidates to choose a flag holder and avoid the hustle of holding primary elections.

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