By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
KAMPALA
A section of youth in the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) has vowed to resist what they describe as attempts by “masqueraders” to take control of the party following the endorsement of leaders for the 12th Parliament.
The youth, operating under the umbrella of the NRM Revolutionary Network (NRN), say the recent decision by the party’s Central Executive Committee (CEC) to back Anita Annet Among and Thomas Tayebwa for Speaker and Deputy Speaker respectively contravenes the party’s rules of procedure.
It should be recalled that CEC recently endorsed the incumbents to retain the positions in the forthcoming 12th Parliament. However, the NRN youth insist the endorsement is irregular and undermines internal party democracy.
“We still maintain that the endorsement of Thomas Tayebwa and the Right Honourable Anita Annet Among for Speaker and Deputy Speaker of Parliament is null and void,” said Ivan Mwijukye, NRN youth leader.
Mwijukye disclosed that the youth have petitioned court to challenge the decision and determine whether internal democracy within the NRM still exists.
“We have petitioned the courts of law and we are waiting for the hearing. That will determine whether there is still internal party democracy within the party structures or whether it was sold off,” he said.
Another youth leader, Edgar Stuart Mugisha, questioned the legality of the endorsement, arguing that the NRM Parliamentary Caucus is not yet fully constituted because some Members of Parliament-elect have not been gazetted.
“As we speak, there are still issues with the gazetting of some Members of Parliament. Secondly, none of them has been sworn in. Thus, the 11th Parliament is still in effect and the 12th Parliament has not yet started its term,” Mugisha said.
He added that endorsing candidates before the new caucus is formally constituted contradicts the party’s rules of procedure.
The youth reiterated earlier calls for candidates seeking the Speaker position to be subjected to a secret ballot within the NRM Parliamentary Caucus.
“Currently, we are wondering how names are forwarded to a caucus which is not yet in existence,” Mugisha said.
They warned that failure to respect the party constitution could portray the NRM as a lawless organisation.
Jude Mugagga Wanume, another youth leader, said candidates for the speakership should openly present their track record in the party, experience and visions before the caucus.
“You can’t just bring someone from the Opposition and then expect us to entrust you with control of our party, yet you have spent less than five years in it,” he said.
Wanume also accused Among of using money to influence Members of Parliament to support her bid for the speakership, although he did not provide evidence.
A few days ago, Daudi Kabanda, the Kasambya County MP and self-styled secretary general of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), circulated a document allegedly from PLU chairman Muhoozi Kainerugaba directing MPs-elect associated with the group to back candidates fronted by the NRM.
While welcoming PLU’s loyalty to the ruling party, the NRN youth said such support should only be extended to candidates who have followed the party’s lawful procedures.
“We welcome the support and loyalty to our ruling party, but it should go to someone who has passed through the normal procedures of the NRM,” said youth leader Peter Kivumbi.
The youth also said they would not be intimidated in their push to restore what they called ideological clarity, sanity and respect for party processes within the NRM.
