NRM Sets Roadmap for Kikuube LC5 By-Election Flag Bearer Selection

The National Resistance Movement (NRM) Electoral Commission has unveiled a detailed roadmap for selecting its flag bearer in the upcoming Kikuube District LC5 chairperson by-election, following the death of the party’s previous candidate, Peter Banura.

The announcement was made on Tuesday by the NRM Electoral Commission Chairperson, Dr Tanga Odoi, during a district conference held at the Kikuube District Headquarters. The meeting brought together party leaders and mobilizers to agree on the internal processes ahead of the by-election scheduled for June 10.

Dr Odoi said the party had commenced formal procedures in line with both internal rules and national electoral laws to ensure a smooth replacement process.

“We have come to abide by the law, which requires us to get a replacement within a specified timeframe,” Odoi said. “Peter Banura was our flag bearer, and we must now conduct primaries to get a new one before facing other political parties and independent candidates.”

Expression of Interest Opens

According to Dr Odoi, the party has agreed to hold competitive primaries, with the Expression of Interest process opening immediately and running until next week.

He explained that after the application window closes, candidates will undergo strict verification of academic documents before being cleared to proceed to nomination.

He emphasized that only candidates whose academic qualifications are verified by the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB), or by the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) in the case of foreign certificates, will be eligible to contest.

The nomination fee has been set at Shs1 million, with the party noting that the elected candidate will serve a full five-year term, making the process a fresh political mandate rather than a continuation.

Warning Against Divisive Politics

Dr Odoi cautioned aspirants against engaging in divisive campaigning, particularly tribalism, misinformation, and character attacks, warning that such conduct would lead to disqualification.

“Kikuube is a cosmopolitan district. Anyone who uses ethnic sentiments or unverified allegations will be disqualified,” he said. “We want to set an example, especially in this oil region where stability is critical.”

He further stressed that the party’s electoral structures have no preferred candidate, insisting that the process would remain fair and competitive.

“The winner will be one, and that is the candidate we shall support,” he added.

Push for Unity and Transparency

The NRM Director for Mobilisation, Dr Rosemary Seninde, reaffirmed the party’s commitment to transparency and inclusiveness in selecting its flag bearer. She warned that failure to allow internal democracy could fuel independent candidacies and weaken party cohesion.

“We cannot impose a candidate. We must listen to the people and allow them to decide through democratic processes,” Seninde said. “If we don’t do that, we risk encouraging independent candidates, which would divide the party.”

She added that consultations had already been conducted with leaders from village to district level to better understand the political dynamics in Kikuube ahead of the primaries.

“At the end of the day, once a flag bearer is chosen, we shall all unite behind that candidate,” she said.

Leadership Confidence in Party Strength

The NRM Director of Communication, Hon Emmanuel Dombo, also underscored the party’s commitment to democratic engagement, saying the consultations reflected NRM’s long-standing values.

He expressed confidence that Kikuube remains a stronghold for the ruling party, adding that NRM is optimistic about securing a decisive victory in the by-election.

Others who attended the district conference included NRM Electoral Commission members Jane Babiiha Alisemera

and Driwaru Zaitun

, alongside local party leaders and mobilisers.

Road Ahead

With Expression of Interest now open and primaries expected next month, the race to select NRM’s flag bearer in Kikuube is officially underway. The party leadership has maintained that the process will be competitive, transparent, and guided strictly by internal regulations and national electoral laws.

The by-election is expected to draw significant attention given Kikuube’s strategic importance, particularly as an emerging oil-producing district where political stability remains a key concern for both local and national stakeholders.