Results from yesterday’s NRM primaries have caused excitement for some while countless others have been left mourning. Interestingly, the results also reveal some emerging trends not just within the NRM party but also a reflection of the category of people the national elections might attract.
The results show new entrants in the realm of the NRM politics, old guards retaining positions and those losing ground.
We also see some of the old guards bouncing back after taking a political sabbatical and those in the showbiz industry leaving entertainment to navigate through the murky waters of politics.
New entrants
In the category of new entrants we have Simeo Nsubuga, the former police spokesperson beating the state minister for Information & Communication Technology Nyombi Thembo, who is the incumbent to become the NRM MP flag bearer for Kassanda County, Mubende district.
Similarly, Judith Nabakooba also a former police spokesperson, and former police deputy political commissar has won the Mityana Woman MP Flag bearer position.
Old guards retaining positions
Meanwhile, some of the old guards who have retained their positions within the party include the Attorney General Fred Ruhindi who is the incumbent MP for Nakawa Division in Kampala.
Abraham Byandala has also sailed through the primaries winning the Katikamu North MP flag bearer position, despite being cited in a number of controversies in the roads sector during his tenure as Minister for works and Transport. Byandala is currently the minister without portfolio.
In Mawokota North in Mpigi district the minister for Trade and Industry Amelia Kyambadde, also the incumbent MP has gone through to carry the party flag for the MP position come 2016.
Old guard losing ground
A number of ministers and incumbent MPs have also lost ground and they include among others Lands Minister Daudi Migereko who lost the Butembe county MP flag to Pastor Nelson Lufafa.
State Minister for Information Technology Nyombi Thembo lost to Simeo Nsubuga.
Justice and constitutional Affairs Minister Gen. Kahinda Otafire is out after losing the Ruhindi county MP flag to Capt. Donozio Mugabe Kahonda.
In Luwero, incumbent LCV chairman Al-Hajj Naduli also lost to Ronald Ndaula.
Lydia Wanyoto has lost the Mbale woman MP flag to Connie Nakayenze
State minister for Health Sarah Opendi has lost the Tororo woman MP flag to Jacinta Ayo.
Old guards bouncing back
Some of the old guards bouncing back include Igeme Nabeta for Jinja as well as former minister for Ethics and Integrity James Nsaba Buturo.
Entertainers joining politics
From the world of showbiz and entertainment, musician Daniel Kazibwe popularly known as Ragga Dee enters the political turf as NRM mayoral flag bearer for Kampala while gospel artiste Judith Babirye will carry the NRM flag for Buikwe Woman MP after beating incumbent Dorothy Mpima.
African countries have been challenged to double efforts towards eradicating hunger and improving nutrition and food security.
Compiled by Judith Atim & Albert Tuwmwine
