By Bernard Zuyi
Tensions are escalating in Sironko District ahead of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) district elections, amid allegations that Hon. Florence Nambozo convened a covert meeting with known gang leaders in a Mbale hotel to plan disruptions to the upcoming vote scheduled for Friday.
According to sources familiar with the situation, the meeting reportedly aimed to devise strategies to undermine the electoral process, raising concerns about the integrity of the district-level polls. Hon. Nambozo, who is under pressure from strong intra-party competition, particularly from fellow NRM member Lumolo, is accused of orchestrating a deliberate campaign of chaos to derail the elections and shift blame onto her opponent.
Political analysts note that this tactic resembles incidents reported during recent village, parish, and sub-county elections in Sironko, where violence and procedural irregularities prompted residents to appeal to the NRM Electoral Commission in Kampala for intervention.
In response to prior incidents, the Commission allegedly directed Hon. Nambozo to withdraw her sub-county candidacy and issue a formal apology – a directive she reportedly complied with, albeit reluctantly. Observers now warn that similar tensions are resurfacing, with potentially broader consequences.
More troubling are allegations that Hon. Nambozo has threatened local security personnel, purportedly claiming to act on direct instructions from President Yoweri Museveni to ensure the removal of Lumolo from the NRM structure. Reports suggest she warned of punitive measures, including transfers or disciplinary action, against any officers who fail to support her efforts, allegations we can’t confirm.
Meanwhile, anxiety among residents continues to build as the elections draw near, with many fearing possible violence. Local citizens have expressed a determination to resist what they describe as an erosion of democratic norms and a tightening grip on political power in the district.
Since her elevation to a ministerial role, Hon. Nambozo has faced criticism for allegedly leveraging her government position to intimidate political rivals and suppress dissent within party ranks. Her detractors accuse her of seeking to dominate Sironko’s political landscape at the expense of inclusivity and democratic participation.
In anticipation of potential disruptions, community leaders are calling on the NRM national leadership and security agencies to deploy neutral and visible oversight during the voting process. They recommend strict regulation of access to the polling venue, allowing entry only to accredited delegates, security personnel, and registered media, while ensuring that non-delegates remain outside to preserve order.
The unfolding situation in Sironko represents a critical test of the NRM’s commitment to internal democratic principles and electoral integrity. As the district braces for a pivotal election day, all eyes remain fixed on how events will unfold and whether the party can safeguard the credibility of its internal processes.
