Kitgum National Resistance Movement (NRM) Chairperson, Mr George Ayella has cautioned youth rooted in the NRM party to desist from interfering with the ongoing preparation for the party’s primary election saying some are already taking sides even before declaration of the party flag bearers.
Mr Ayella cited that the process of the Primary election won’t be fair and democratic once some of the youth start rallying behind and singling people they like while shunning those they think are not ‘favorites’ in the party.
He said the process of a united group falling behind a particular candidate creates envy amongst the NRM faithful thus distorting unity in the party.
“In order to let the NRM primaries be fair and free to everybody, they (Youth) as an organization should wait for the flag bearer that will come through the party structures,”
Mr Ayella who was speaking during the launch of the National Campaign for President Museveni organized by National Youth Coalition for NRM mobilization in Kitgum Town Council Hall on Thursday said once the primaries divides the party; it will be of advantage for opposition to win the election.
“Unity after the primaries is a problem; reconciliation after primaries has ever been giving us problems. This is the reason why other people go on as independent because they are disgruntled by disorganized primary elections,” says Mr Ayella.
The Chairman also warned the NRM members against forming political cliques in the party within the district.
“There are people who are using the youth through forming cliques or pressure groups within the NRM party in-order to promote their own interests. Youth must not allow to be used because this ends up disorganizing the party,” Mr Ayella said.
Mr Justus Tugume, Coordinator of the National Coalition for NRM youth Mobilization, however dismissed fears that youth pressure groups formed may antagonize the primary election preparations and choice of candidates.
He said the youth coalition that he coordinates is a structure within the NRM whose operations are legal.
“We have not been campaigning or siding with anyone, we are yet waiting for the NRM primary elections to pass and whoever is elected, we shall rally our support to him or her” says Mr Tugume.
Recently, NRM youth in Gulu district, staged a mock protest against the candidature of former premier, Mr Amama Mbabazi by carrying a casket strapped with Mbabazi’s posters.
The former premier has picked up nomination to vie for presidency in next year’s election as an independent candidate against his party chairman President Museveni. END
