By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
KAMPALA
“We strongly condemn the emerging practice of recruiting politically rejected opposition figures and publicly parading them as converts, only to position them for government appointments or strategic placement within state structures,” said Sylvia Mirembe, a youth leader in the NRM Revolutionary Network (NRN), during a press briefing at Kati Kati Restaurant on Monday.
The NRN youth expressed their frustration over what they described as the rewarding of political convenience at the expense of loyal party members, calling for an end to what they termed as “transactional politics” within the ruling party. Their comments came in response to the recent defection of former FDC Vice Chairman for Buganda Region, Hon. Yusuf Nsibambi, to the NRM.
Mirembe went further to allege that Nsibambi had been granted a brand-new car and provided with government escorts, a gesture she claimed undermined the efforts of long-serving party members.
“Rewarding political convenience over proven loyalty creates frustration within the rank and file and weakens internal morale,” Mirembe said, adding that it sends the wrong message to members who have remained committed to the party through thick and thin.
The NRN youth emphasized that the NRM must prioritize ideological commitment over numerical gains, urging that political cross-overs, accompanied by lavish incentives, undermine the dedication of loyal cadres who have supported the party for decades.
During the press conference, the group also voiced concerns over the leadership of the current Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Annet Anita Among, accusing her of using her position to manipulate party positions for personal gain. The youth, who describe Among as “incompetent and unfit,” strongly opposed her bid for a second term as Speaker and called for the election of a more credible and capable leader.
Jude Wanume Mugagga, an NRN youth leader, proposed that NRM members vying for the speakership engage in a public debate, stressing that such a forum would promote openness, intellectual rigor, and accountability.
“Such a debate would allow aspiring candidates to articulate their vision for a people-centered parliament, enable MPs to evaluate substance over alliances, promote transparency and issue-based competition, and strengthen public confidence in the process,” Mugagga said.
The NRN youth also condemned the Central Executive Committee (CEC) endorsement of Among and reiterated their call for the NRM caucus to elect a speaker of the 12th Parliament.
Ivan Mwijukye, a youth leader appealed to President Museveni to address the Speaker issue in the 12th Parliament.
“We request His Excellency, as party chairman, to take charge and ensure the Speaker has the required qualities,” Mwijukye urged.
Additionally, the youth criticized MPs who allegedly accepted Shs 10 million to support the candidature of Speaker Among, and reward her a second term.
So far, six individuals have expressed interest in the position of Speaker, including Masindi Woman MP Florence Asiimwe, Mbale City Woman MP-elect Lydia Wanyoto Matende, Bukono County MP and State Minister for Lands Persis Namuganza, incumbent Speaker Annet Anita Among, Justice Minister and DP President Nobert Mao, and Aringa South MP Alioni Odria Yorke. Additional candidates are expected to join the race as the election for the 12th Parliament Speaker nears.
The Speaker elections will take place in May, following the swearing-in of the new government.
