NRM Electoral Commission chairperson Dr Tanga Odoi said so far is there is no challenger against Museveni as none of his rivals have returned nomination forms for both offices. He explained that as the party Electoral Commission, they are satisfied with the candidature of Museveni and without a doubt, he’s the best person to lead Uganda.
“We as Electoral Commission are satisfied that we have done a thorough job because we don’t have any doubt that we have the best candidate for the party of NRM. We, therefore, hand over the candidate Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to the secretariat…The country Uganda doesn’t have shortage of trees growing, it doesn’t have a problem of grass growing. Since 1962 it has had a problem of leadership, I can write books, thesis on that,” Tanga said.
Odoi also dismissed claims that they have frustrated attempts by other party members to challenge Museveni. He said as the NRM Electoral Commission, for as long as a member has fulfilled the conditions set by the central executive committee (CEC) of the party, they don’t have any problem nominating anybody else.
Last week, the former Makindye East MP John Ssimbwa picked nomination papers to challenge Museveni for the position of NRM party chairperson. He, however, failed to return the nomination forms and accused Odoi of failing to avail him with the guidelines that were to be followed.
Ssimbwa said the commission was working very hard to frustrate anybody from contesting against Museveni, who CEC had already endorsed as sole candidate. NRM deputy secretary general Richard Todwong said Museveni’s leadership hasn’t only been a blessing to the party, but also the country. He thanked Museveni for accepting to be the party chairman and flag-bearer when they called upon him.
“On behalf of the party, we need to thank you [Museveni] so so much for accepting the call of the organization to continue leading them in the struggle for liberation. The journey you started to build this massive organization that has seen Uganda over the years, is a journey that we can’t just wish away. Your stewardship, your skills, your knowledge, your in-depth knowledge of organizational governance in politics is still very much needed in this organization. And so we thank you,” said Todwong.
Todwong called upon candidates for various positions to exercise maximum decorum and respect for those they are contesting with, saying the NRM is built on firm principles of respect and discipline.
“We have read through the press and witnessed how many political organizations are crumbling and collapsing simply because of internal intolerance. But we are grateful that the membership of NRM is a little more purified, ideologically firm and matured,” Todwong said.
For his part, Museveni said his focus in his sixth elective term as president, will be on steering the country towards fighting the coronavirus disease, income inequality, regional trade and the East African federation. If elected in January 2021, Museveni will have led Uganda collectively for 40 years.