Heal party wounds before EC nominations, NRM tells Tororo winners

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Celebrations are still ongoing in Tororo district as jubilant NRM flag bearers continue to mark their victories in the recently concluded, hotly contested party primaries that attracted 50 contenders vying for the district’s eight parliamentary seats.

Amid the festivities, however, the party leadership has issued a cautionary message, urging the winners to set aside differences and focus on reconciliation and unity within the party ahead of the Electoral Commission (EC) parliamentary nominations.

Rodgers Mulindwa, the NRM spokesperson overseeing the electoral process in the Bukedi sub-region, warned that alienating fellow party members who contested, and their supporters, could prove detrimental, possibly resulting in losses to opposition or independent candidates.

“We expect our flag bearers to work hard in bringing their other colleagues who contested on board, because together with them, consolidating support for one person as the NRM, we shall achieve a lot,” Mulindwa stated.

He added, “Considering the other contenders as losers may weaken the NRM party support and also leave the ruling party candidates vulnerable to being easily swept by opposition and other well-organised independent candidates.”

Among the victorious flag bearers is Simon Nicholas Owino, who won the Tororo County North race with 18,690 votes, representing 53.9% of the total vote.

Owino, whose home in Morikunyangai A village, Akadot subcounty, has been the scene of three days of non-stop celebrations, has been traversing the county, thanking voters and urging them to stay united ahead of the 2026 general elections.

“I want to thank so much the voters of Tororo County North who have entrusted me with the flag, but my prayer is that the way we did in this primary elections, more efforts are even needed to manage the 2026 polls, which I am hopeful will see me in parliament to work for this county,” Owino said in an interview.

He also called upon his five former rivals to rally behind him and ensure the NRM ticket is secured in Parliament.

“My appeal to all those who were in the field with me, especially Hon. Nyaketcho, the former MP of this constituency, I say thank you for the challenge during these primaries that pushed me to work hard and thank you for the warm hug you gave at the tally centre upon my declaration. My prayer is that as people of one family (NRM), let us now work together to deliver this ticket to parliament for the good of our party and people.”

Another jubilant flag bearer is Richard Owere Machika, who clinched the West Budama North East constituency with 19,956 votes, representing 51.146% of the total.

His home in Liwira village, Sere subcounty, has been abuzz with celebrations for four consecutive days as voters flock to congratulate him.

Machika attributed his win to a strong yearning for change among the constituents.

“West Budama North East constituency had gone to the dogs, that’s why the people have joined hands with me because they desire better in education, health, agriculture, and road infrastructure, which are all grappling here,” Machika stated.

Asked about reconciling with his opponents, the parliamentary hopeful welcomed the idea, urging all constituents to join his campaign.

“I have won these primaries overwhelmingly, and I urge the other contenders, including the incumbent, to respect the guidance of the party and rally behind me for the bid to parliament on the NRM ticket,” he pleaded.

Other flag bearers include defence minister Jacob Oboth Oboth, George Oketcho, Apollo Yeri Ofwono, Fredrick Angura, and Sarah Achieng Opendi—each now holding the NRM ticket for their respective constituencies and celebrating with supporters.

As the EC parliamentary nominations approach, it remains to be seen how the victorious flag bearers will respond to Mulindwa’s call for reconciliation and soul healing.

Will they heed the call and work to unify the party, or will prolonged celebrations risk splitting support and giving room to the opposition or independents? Only time will tell.