An opinion poll from Intelligence sources has detailed the performance of candidates vying for top NRM CEC positions.
The current CEC positions which are available for grabs are; the Party chairperson currently retained by President Yoweri Museveni as unopposed, first national vice chairperson, the second national vice chairperson (female) and the six regional vice chairpersons. Whereas the National Delegates conference was slated to sit this Friday, August 7 and Saturday, 8th to vote the NRM CEC members, the elections have reportedly been pushed to August 17.
The latest opinion poll that has been conducted by an intelligence agency has revealed how candidates vying for the top nine CEC positions have performed. The poll also weighs the chances of each candidate to win the forthcoming elections.
National Chairperson:
The opinion poll shows that President Museveni is 100% supported by the NRM Party and it is the reason he is again unopposed. Despite the 100% support for Museveni, the report shows that some party members are not very satisfied with the performance of the NRM government in regards to fulfillment of presidential pledges. For example; voters want Museveni to fulfill the pledge of vehicles, motorcycles for all NRM LC3 chairpersons and bicycles for LC1s.
Other findings show that NRM district secretariat staff feel neglected and are very aggrieved for non-payment of salaries which has stretched for years. All in all Museveni remains very popular and is tipped to retain his presidential seat in 2021 general polls with a record percentage of the total vote.
First national vice chairperson
The position of national vice chairperson is currently held by Hajji Moses Kigongo. According to the opinion poll, Kigongo is leading the race with 63% votes and is trailed by Capt Francis Babu at 35%, while other candidates; Hakeem Asiimwe Lukenge and Kefa Mafumo are parting with 2%.
The survey shows that whereas Hajji Kigongo is leading the race, many people do not actually know him by face; they simply hear about how powerful he is in the NRM Party, but have never come face to face with him.
Second national vice chairperson (Women)
This position is being held by the incumbent Rebecca Kadaga, the Speaker of Parliament. Whereas Kadaga is tipped to retain this seat, it will not go down easily without a fight from Persis Namuganza, State minister for Lands. Namuganza has personal vendetta with Kadaga and she is always willing to torment her in all angles. While Namuganza thinks that it is time for the young blood to take up such CEC positions, voters are still comfortable with the old broom (Kadaga). In fact, the opinion poll puts Kadaga at 66% as Namuganza trails at 26%, 8% is being shared by other candidates; Jane Frances Amongin, and Deborah Kyazike Kinobe.
NRM Vice chairperson, Central
This seat which is currently held by Hajji Abdul Nadduli has attracted several potential candidates and has been rated as the most highly contested position. Shockingly, the opinion poll shows that State minister for Tourism Godfrey Kiwanda is taking the lead with 48%, while Moses Kalangwa Kalisa occupies second position with 30%. Nadduli comes third with 20% while other candidates share 2%. This has been anticipated to be the hottest race.
NRM Vice Chairperson, Eastern
The seat is currently occupied by Capt Mike Mukula who is also in the race to retain his seat. According to the survey, Mukula commands a lion’s share with 93% of the total vote and his rivalry from former Tororo Municipality MP Sanjay Tanna (7%) is a no match. The survey shows that the other candidates in the same race such as John Robert Ekongot and others are insignificant in the race.
According to the findings of the survey, voters rate Mukula as a popular and hardworking NRM leader who is nationally appealing and has significantly played a big role in the growth and stability of the NRM Party. Like Museveni, Mukula is looked at as a well polished nationalist and pan-Africanist.
NRM Vice Chairperson, Western
The seat for NRM Vice chairperson, western is currently occupied by Gen Matayo Kyaligonza who is also ready to defend his seat. However, the survey has bad news for him. Kyaligonza is trailing State minister for Housing, Chris Baryomunsi. The survey shows that Baryomunsi is sailing to victory with 46% vote, while Kyaligonza is at 29%. The other candidates including; Col Shaban Bantariza, Dr Emmanuel Kisembo, Boaz Kafuda, Wilberforce Muhangi Byaboneka and Rogers Bifa Tugaine have 25%.
NRM Vice Chairperson, Northern
This seat is currently occupied by Sam Engola, former state minister for Housing. This position has attracted a lot of attention following the entry of Deputy Speaker Jacob Oulanyah whom many have tipped to win the race.
However, results from the survey show that Sam Engola is still strong and is leading with 51% while Oulanyah trails at 46%. Others; Timothy Okee and Dr Samuel Oledo Odongo are at 3%.
NRM Vice Chairperson, Kampala
The seat for NRM Vice chairperson for Kampala region is held by Godfrey Nyakana. The seat is also one of the highly contested seats in the NRM CEC race. The survey shows that Nyakana (32%) is most likely to lose his seat to businessman Salim Uhuru (48%). Former Rubaga North MP Singh Katongole comes third with 20. The findings show that Uhuru is leading because voters consider him so hardworking than Nyakana who has lost touch with his people just like Kyaligonza did in Western region.
NRM Vice Chairperson, Northern
For the Northern NRM Vice chairperson seat, Simon Aleper who is the incumbent is been tipped by the survey to retain his seat without any bloody nose from his little own opponent Jimmy Lokoru Tebanyag. This is the only race that has attracted only two candidates. According to the survey, Aleper will retain his seat by over 90% of the total vote.
Credit: telesqop.co.ug
