With the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party poised for its Local Council V and Division Chairperson primaries, Senior Presidential Advisor on Political Affairs Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo has issued a passionate appeal to Ugandans to uphold electoral integrity and reject all forms of voter bribery and rigging.
Addressing journalists on Wednesday, July 23, from the Office of the National Chairman (ONC) headquarters in Kyambogo, Namyalo encouraged citizens, especially the youth—popularly known as Bazzukulu—to turn out in large numbers and actively participate in Thursday’s primaries.
She emphasized that leadership must originate from the people and not be manipulated by financial incentives or the influence of powerful individuals.
“Leadership belongs to the people,” Namyalo declared.
“When someone is elected peacefully and fairly, don’t alter the outcome because someone has paid you. Let the people’s voices be respected.”
The ONC Chief also expressed concern over allegations implicating some officials from the NRM Electoral Commission (EC), who are said to be justifying their actions by invoking “orders from above.”
Namyalo dismissed these claims, affirming that she had directly consulted with President Yoweri Museveni on the matter.
“I personally spoke to the President about these allegations and he denied issuing any such directives. He is very clear on ensuring transparency in our party processes,” she explained.
She further called upon security forces to safeguard the electoral environment, stressing that every Ugandan has the constitutional right to vote freely and without intimidation.
Namyalo warned that any person found guilty of rigging, violence, or disruption of the voting process would face prosecution.
“Anyone who attempts to alter results or cause chaos will be dealt with according to the law. This is not the time for games, it’s a time to build democracy,” she stated.
Her message echoed that of President Museveni, who earlier this week condemned serious irregularities that plagued the NRM’s parliamentary primaries held on July 17.
Using his official X (formerly Twitter) platform, the President applauded the participation of 9.22 million voters—about 50% of the party’s 18.5 million registered members—but also expressed alarm over reports of malpractice.
“I must condemn, in the strongest terms, what I started hearing in some areas where some unpatriotic actors are alleged to have committed mistakes, including: altering results, tampering with registers, using violence that caused deaths and injuries, and bribing voters,” Museveni stated.
He emphasized that such acts undermine the integrity of both the party and the nation, and vowed to hold perpetrators accountable.
“These acts not only betray the party’s values but also erode national unity and the legitimacy of elected leaders,” the President warned.
“Leadership is not for decoration. It is for addressing issues that can be changed or improved. Those who want to lead must be ready to solve problems and not create more,” he added.
Thursday’s primaries come at a time of heightened political tension in various districts, with internal party observers and security agencies closely monitoring developments.
As Uganda inches toward another critical stage in its democratic process, leaders such as Namyalo and President Museveni continue to emphasize the importance of transparent, fair, and peaceful elections within the NRM and across the country.
