By Emmanuel Olinga
The National Resistance Movement (NRM) leadership in Katakwi District has officially lauded the recently concluded party primaries as a benchmark of peace, unity, and internal democracy.
In a statement issued over the weekend, the NRM District Chairperson, Mr. John Robert Okiror, praised the district’s political maturity, noting the stark contrast to the violence and electoral chaos that marred past primaries.
The NRM primaries held on Thursday, July 17, 2025, were organized to select flag bearers for the upcoming general elections.
According to Mr. Okiror, the electoral process was conducted in a manner that exhibited political tolerance, discipline among candidates, and high voter turnout across all sub-counties in Katakwi.
“I want to sincerely thank the people of Katakwi for the calm, peaceful, and democratic manner in which they conducted themselves during the NRM primaries,” Mr. Okiror stated.
“This is a true reflection of maturity and trust in the party’s internal democratic systems.”
The statement underscored a remarkable improvement from previous years when primaries were often marred by voter bribery, violence, and manipulation.
Mr. Okiror said this year’s polls were conducted with fewer complaints, thanks to enhanced coordination between the party’s electoral commission, security organs, and local leadership.
“In the past, we saw acts of violence, ballot stuffing, and serious disputes. But this time, the elections were largely issue-based, and candidates respected the voice of the people. This is the NRM spirit we want to see going forward,” he added.
The primaries produced several new faces while also reaffirming the support for some incumbent leaders.
Mr. Okiror emphasized that elections are part of democratic growth, and losing in an internal poll should not be seen as an act of rejection, but rather a call to support the party’s chosen candidate in the spirit of unity.
In his statement, Mr. Okiror made a passionate appeal to those who lost in the primaries to remain loyal to the party and refrain from running as independents.
He urged all aspirants to recognize that the strength of the NRM lies in its unity and ability to rally behind chosen candidates.
“NRM is a family. If you were not successful this time, support your colleague who won. We must not fracture our vote by running as independents. This weakens our chances in the general elections and contradicts party values,” said Okiror.
He added that the NRM remains open to engaging all its members to resolve internal grievances amicably through dialogue and legal channels rather than defection or protest candidacy.
Looking ahead to the LCV and District Councilor elections scheduled for Thursday, July 24, 2025, the district NRM office encouraged citizens and aspirants to carry forward the same peaceful attitude that defined the parliamentary primaries.
“We have another important internal election coming up. Let us maintain this spirit. Let Katakwi be an example for other districts in Teso and Uganda at large,” Mr. Okiror urged.
He called on security agencies to maintain vigilance, and for party officials to ensure polling stations are well-managed, with transparency and timely results declaration.
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