KAMPALA— The National Resistance Movement (NRM) Electoral Commission has fixed Tuesday, September 30, for the party’s National Youth Council primaries, with Commission Chairperson Dr. Tanga Odoi issuing a stern warning against electoral malpractice.
“These elections must be clean,” Dr. Odoi said.
“Any acts of bribery, procuring ineligible persons to vote, obstruction of voters or officials, multiple voting, disruption of the electoral process, or promoting violence will not be tolerated. Anyone involved will face immediate disqualification.”
The primaries will begin at 9 a.m. at the NRM Electoral Commission offices on Plot 13, Kyadondo Road, and will fill 11 key positions, including Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, General Secretary, Secretary for Publicity, Secretary for Finance (female), Secretary for Student Affairs, Secretary for Labour Affairs, Secretary for Sports and Culture, Secretary for External Relations, and Secretary for Legal Affairs.
Dr. Odoi reminded aspirants that the exercise is free of charge.
“No money should be solicited from the youth at any stage of this process,” he emphasized.
“Nomination forms are free, and the process must remain transparent.”
The Electoral College will comprise district Youth Council chairpersons from all 151 districts, district Secretaries for Female Youth, district Secretaries for Finance, one youth with a disability nominated by the Organization of Persons with Disabilities, and representatives from the Uganda National Students Association (UNSA).
Independent candidates and voters will not be permitted.
“All members of this Electoral College are eligible to contest and vote, but let me be clear—independents will not participate either as candidates or voters,” Dr. Odoi stated.
Aspirants have until Monday, September 29, to submit letters of interest.
“Our offices are open from 8am to 5pm on weekdays and 8am to 2pm on Saturday,” Odoi explained.
“Nomination forms must be filled out and submitted immediately for verification and nomination.”
Unlike previous youth elections conducted at the district level, the primaries will be centralized in Kampala, with delegates covering their own travel costs.
Voting will be conducted by lining up behind the candidates. Each contestant will be allowed to appoint no more than two polling agents, who must present signed appointment letters.
“The register for the election is ready and has been displayed at both our headquarters and in districts,” Dr. Odoi added.
“Candidates are free to access it here. We want a process that is open and beyond question.”
The Commission has also concluded primaries for older persons at the regional level, although the Western Region primary for the Older Persons MP flag bearer was nullified by the party tribunal.
Dr. Odoi said a fresh election will be announced soon.