State Minister for Works also Amuria County MP Musa Francis Ecweru, has once again defended his decision to contest for the Amuria County MP seat as an Independent candidate, saying it is a necessary step to prevent what he described as the “legitimization of electoral crime.”
Ecweru, who has represented Amuria County in Parliament for over two decades and held various ministerial positions, lost the party flag to Samuel Ediau, a relatively new figure in the NRM Party.
Ediau, the Director of Light SS Schools in Soroti and Amuria, stunned political observers when he polled 29,352 votes against Ecweru’s 19,977 in one of the most talked-about races in the Teso sub-region.
Speaking to TNN in Olianai Village in Amuria district over the weekend, Ecweru said his decision follows widespread evidence of irregularities in the recent NRM primaries, which he insists were riddled with fraud and voter manipulation.
“I am standing as an independent NRM leader,” Ecweru declared. “If I don’t stand, I will be legitimizing crime. I repeat, if I don’t stand, I will be legitimizing crime.”
Citing a recent example, Ecweru pointed to claims that the winner of Amuria District LCV NRM flag, allegedly garnered 86,000 votes, despite the fact that the total number of registered voters in Amuria District is only 53,000.
“This can be cross-checked with the Electoral Commission records,” Ecweru said. “When a victor gets 86,000 votes in a district of 53,000 voters, it shows you how diabolic and shameless some of these actors can be. Allowing such fraud to go unchallenged is not just wrong, it’s criminal.”
He added that while he respects the NRM party regulations and remains loyal to its values, he cannot endorse what he described as a flawed and manipulated process.
“Much as I subscribe to the party and government guidelines, I will not legitimize fraud. If I keep quiet, I will be betraying the very principles of justice and democracy I have always stood for,” he emphasized.
Addressing concerns that he should await the decision of the NRM Election Disputes Tribunal, a body set up by President Yoweri Museveni to address complaints from disputed primaries, Ecweru expressed skepticism over its timelines.
“The tribunal is working, yes, but I am very sure it will conclude its work just around the time of nominations,” Ecweru said. “It is important that I prepare the people of Amuria for a normal, peaceful, free, and fair election rather than sit and wait until it’s too late.”
The minister reassured voters that the 2026 general elections, organized by the Electoral Commission under Justice Simon Byabakama, will restore confidence in the democratic process.
“This election will be by secret ballot, free from intimidation,” he assured. “A woman will be able to vote without fear; her decision will be between her brain and her heart. The same applies to the elderly and the youth. No one will know who you voted for.”
Ecweru further noted that state security agencies have committed to preventing any form of coercion or voter intimidation in the upcoming elections.
“This intimidation, from what I have gathered from state structures, will not be tolerated. It will never happen again in Amuria,” he affirmed.
Ecweru also issued a stern caution to those who won NRM flags in the recent primaries, advising them against early celebrations.
“I wish those who won well,” he said. “But I want to caution you, it is too early to celebrate. Congratulations for now, but save your celebrations for after January. If you celebrate too early, you may suffer the shock of your life.”
The minister’s declaration was met with applause and chants of support, signaling a growing wave of enthusiasm among his backers. Many in attendance praised him for taking a bold stand against what they called “electoral injustice.”
Political analysts say Ecweru’s decision to run as an Independent could reshape the race in Amuria County.
His entry is expected to intensify competition with NRM flag bearer Samuel Ediau, who defeated him in the primaries, and possibly attract opposition candidates eager to capitalize on any split within the NRM support base.
Despite the looming challenges, Ecweru remains confident.
“I am preparing Amuria for a peaceful, credible election,” he concluded. “We will win with dignity and restore the people’s confidence in their vote.”
With his bid now official, all eyes turn to Amuria County, where what once seemed like a settled race has reignited into one of the most closely watched political contests ahead of 2026.
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Let him surrender the nrm chairman seat and get his party.
He is a confused leader who like to beat priest and lay reader’s that is a test of water