Former State Minister for Works and current chairperson of the Leadership Tribunal, Mr. Asuman Kiyingi, has dismissed claims that he lost in the recently concluded NRM grassroots elections in Kamuli District.
Mr. Kiyingi insisted he could not have lost a race he did not contest in and questioned the integrity of the process.
“How can I lose an election I didn’t participate in? Unless someone has been paid to smear my name,” he stated in a WhatsApp message responding to reports that he had lost to Mr. Stephen Balikoowa.
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Mr. Kiyingi explained that he chose not to participate due to what he described as a compromised election committee, which he had previously reported and petitioned against.
“That same compromised team couldn’t fairly oversee a contest involving me, having already exposed their misconduct,” he said.
He also noted that his opponent, Mr. Mathew Basanya, should have been disqualified based on a petition filed by Mr. Juma Miti, citing allegations of voter intimidation and violence.
Kiyingi further referred to a proposed power-sharing agreement introduced by NRM Electoral Commission Chairperson Dr. Tanga Odoi, which aimed to resolve tensions by assigning different roles to the contesting parties. Under this arrangement, Mr. Kiyingi would serve as vice-chairperson, Mr. Thomas Kategere as secretary, MP Maurice Kibalya as publicity secretary, and Mr. Basanya as finance secretary.
However, this proposal was rejected by the electoral college, who argued it was merely advisory and undermined NRM’s democratic principles by limiting voter participation.
“We respect the mediation but prefer a democratic process where members can freely choose their leaders,” said Mr. Aga Mutyabule, who ran against Mr. Basanya.
The elections took place on May 16 in Namisambya Parish, Kitayunjwa Sub-county. Mr. Basanya emerged victorious with 235 votes. Mr. Balikoowa received 225 protest votes, while Mr. Kiyingi, though absent, reportedly received 38 votes.
Mr. Kategere warned that prolonged internal disputes during party primaries could weaken the NRM, allowing the opposition to gain ground by attracting disillusioned supporters.
“Let’s not reveal and deepen divisions in the primaries—the opposition is watching and ready to seize on any discontent,” he cautioned.
Meanwhile, NRM elder and former Lands Minister Mr. Daudi Migereko urged for calm and peaceful elections. He appealed to candidates to restrain their supporters and called on the media to promote peace rather than sensationalism.
“Our priority should be preventing violence. Politics shouldn’t involve bloodshed or chaos,” said Migereko. “Candidates must lead responsibly and avoid inciting divisions in the community.”
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