Nelson Mandela once said, “For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.” This profound statement resonates deeply in the current context, where controversy is brewing following the NRM MP primary elections.
The debate centers on individual choice versus party loyalty, sparked by my elder Jasper Mayeku’s assertion that distant losers in Bulambuli’s NRM party primaries can claim their constitutional right to contest against the winner as independents, a stance that raises questions about the balance between personal ambition and collective responsibility.
According to Article 38 of the Constitution, every Ugandan citizen has the right to participate in the affairs of government, individually or through his or her representatives in accordance with law, ensuring individuals have the freedom to participate in elections based on their qualifications and choice. Additionally, Article 72 states that any person is free to stand for an election as a candidate, independent of a political organization or political party.
While the NRM election guidelines 2025 acknowledge these constitutional provisions, they do not explicitly state that losers should rally behind winners. However, the party’s constitution prioritizes unity and support for endorsed candidates, which seems to be at odds with individual choices, particularly those driven by selfish and opportunistic motives, where now distant losers are being reminded in law to exercise their constitutional right to contest against the winners.
This stance clearly contradicts the notion that “A leader’s integrity is measured by their commitment to their word and their actions, not just their constitutional rights.” Consequently, it raises questions about the wisdom, integrity, and commitment to the people’s ideals by those advocating for this approach.
Specifically, Hon. Burundo Alex and Hon. Katenya Isaac, who emerged 3rd and 5th in the NRM primary elections respectively, are being encouraged by one of our elders to contest against the party’s endorsed candidate, seemingly with little regard for party unity or the trust of the electorate.
The situation is further complicated by the fact that none of them has filed a petition with the NRM tribunal within the mandatory 5-day timeframe, pitting their moral and legal justification to contest against the winner, Hon. Biara Emmanuel Wepukhulu.
In contrast, the 1st runner-up, Mr. Madete Kenneth Namboga, and Mr. Wekesa, the 4th, graciously conceded defeat and rallied behind the winner, lending credence to the election’s legitimacy. This starkly highlights the questionable nature of Hon. Burundo Alex and Hon. Katenya Isaac’s decision to break free from the constraints of the NRM party by choosing to exercise their individual constitutional rights to contest as independents, rather than rallying behind the party’s endorsed candidate.
This reminds us that when an elder misleads, the consequences can be far-reaching. In this case, my elder brother’s submission that distant losers can claim their constitutional right to contest against the winner as independents is misguided, particularly given his influence and standing.
I am left wondering why he didn’t instead advise Hon. Burundo Alex and Hon. Katenya Isaac to prioritize party unity and the trust of the electorate, potentially counseling them to support the endorsed candidate. This could have promoted a more cohesive and principled approach, rather than this divisive and opportunistic stance.
Given the circumstances, therefore, it is morally unacceptable for them to switch goals and contest as independents after agreeing to rally behind the winner. This moral dilemma has already pitted their integrity, worsened their already lost public trust and will impact negatively on how they will perform should they dare.
The writer is a key opinion leader in the Elgon Zone. Tel 0762589133
