NRM workers councillor flag-bearer election flops amid malpractice allegations

KAMPALA - The National Resistance Movement (NRM) Workers’ Union councillor primaries for the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) descended into disarray on July 25, 2025, marred by alleged malpractices, violence, and the inclusion of ineligible voters.

The polls, held at Mengo Primary School in Kampala, were abruptly disrupted after hooligans—dubbed Eggaali—stormed the venue, pelting stones at attendees following demands for voter identification checks.

The unrest forced Robert Kato, Kampala’s NRM officer, and his team to flee the scene, citing safety concerns.  

Controversial nominations and legal violations

Despite the chaos, provisional results saw Stephen Ouma Bwire, Baker Mugazi, and Nicholas Kwarida nominated as male ccouncillors,  while Mariam Mukani, Jackie Katuramu, and Shamim Nandawula were listed as female candidates.

However, the process faced immediate backlash after petitioners highlighted gross violations of NRM regulations and Ugandan law.  

A formal petition, signed by Ouma and Mukani and submitted to NRM electoral commission (EC) chairperson Tanga Odoi, accused the EC of condoning systemic irregularities.

Key grievances included:  

1. Ineligible Candidates: Mary Gloria Aketch, a Kyambogo University employee, and Dr. Nicholas Kwarida, a KCCA pharmacist, were nominated despite Clause 10(1) of the NRM Workers’ League regulations, which bars public servants from contesting workers’ leadership roles.  

2. Union Exclusion: Seventeen unions were allegedly removed from the voters’ register, while non-union members were ferried in to influence the vote.  

3. Electoral College Discrimination: Ouma argued that the EC applied inconsistent standards, creating a “bigger” electoral college for KCCA councillors than for Workers’ MPs, thereby undermining fairness.  Legal and constitutional breaches.

The unrest forced Robert Kato, Kampala’s NRM officer, and his team to flee the scene, citing safety concerns.  (Credit: Wilfred Sanya)

The petitioners cited violations of Uganda’s Constitution (Article 80(4)), the Political Parties and Organisations Act (Section 16(1)), and the Labour Unions Act (Section 31), which collectively mandate transparent and inclusive union elections.

Mukani condemned EC’s failure to ensure eligible unions participated, stating, “We cannot allow hooliganism to dictate workers’ representation.” 

Bizarre delegate registrations

Further scrutiny revealed dubious delegate credentials, including two train conductors: Stephen Mugisha and Watti Ronald registered under the National Union of Educational Institutions (NUEI) despite their employment in the railway sector. Mukani questioned how their roles qualified them as education union delegates, calling the registrations a “mockery” of labour union integrity.  

While Robert Nkwanga (representing persons with disabilities) and Jennifer Kamya (elderly women’s representative) were elected unopposed, the NRM
EC declined to comment on the controversies.

Meanwhile, James Mukoza was nominated as LC5 councillor for the elderly.  

The petitioners now demand that the EC nullify the elections, enforce regulatory compliance, and ensure a transparent rerun. The outcome remains uncertain as tensions linger over the NRM’s commitment to upholding labour representation standards.