The NRM Secretary General, Rt.Hon. Richard Todwong has defended the party’s position of supporting Mr. Philip Oucor in the concluded Serere by-election; saying supporting another aspirant would breach the party’s constitution.
An independent candidate, Hon. Emmanuel Omonding who is the son to former area legislator Patrick Okabe won the by-election. His father died in a road accident last year December.
Rt.Hon.Todwong on Wednesday afternoon told the press that, “we did this purposely to show voters and population that the NRM has guiding principles which are followed.”
“Oucor became our flagbearer two years ago and so he was the rightful candidate to represent the party even in the by-election contest,” Todwong added, noting that was the reason the party stood very firm behind Mr. Philip Oucor.
“This principle is what we shall be following in each and every by-election that is coming. We shall stand firm by our flag bearer. We shall be committed to him or her regardless of the circumstances,” Todwong revealed.
President Yoweri Museveni and Chairman of NRM went to Serere County on the last day of campaigns where he campaigned for Mr. Oucor on two separate venues in Ocaapa and Serere town councils.
Mr Todwong congratulated the people of Serere for being steadfast and supporting NRM candidate with a lot of votes despite falling short of victory.
“We appreciate your love and support, despite securing second position. We are however happy that the winner has expression willingness to work with us in service delivery to his people,” SG said said.
According to Todwong, the Secretariat expects Mr. Omoding to visit the party office to chart the way forward in a bid to help his constituents improve livelihoods.
On her part, the Party’s deputy Secretary General Rt Hon.Rose Namayanja Nsereko congratulated the people of Serere for holding a peaceful election noting that, democracy prevailed.
"We were not able to win but we are okay with the results. The voice of the majority spoke," Namayanja said.
Among other senior party officials present included; Dr Tanga Odoi, the Party’s EC Chairperson and Hon Jane Alisemeera Babiha, the party’s EC Commissioner.