Minister Phiona Nyamutoro Accused of Ferrying Sub-county and District NRM Officials in Nebbi to Her Nomination in Kampala.

20-6-2025.

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NRM SECRETARIAT

NRM ELECTORAL COMMISSION

CLARIFICATION ON THE CONDUCT OF NRM PARTY STRUCTURAL LEADERS SIDING WITH PARTICULAR CANDIDATES IN PARTY PRIMARIES – NEBBI DISTRICT ( NOMINATIONS)

 *Concern* !

We bring to your attention a matter of urgent concern regarding the ongoing NRM party primaries in Nebbi District, West Nile Subregion.

As the nomination exercise for the NRM Party primaries commenced on 17th June 2025, it has come to our notice that a section of newly elected NRM structural leaders in Nebbi District have openly aligned themselves with one of the aspirants contesting for the District Woman Member of Parliament seat.

Specifically, these structural leaders were seen accompanying Hon. Minister Nyamutoro Phiona during her nomination on 17th June 2025. Notably, Hon. Nyamutoro transported several party leaders to the nomination venue, including:

Mr. Ramandhan alias "Rama Nyaravur," NRM Chairman, Nyaravur-Angal Town Council

Mrs. Zeno, District Women’s League Chairperson, and her Vice Chairperson

Mr. Coobidongo Bright, District Youth League Chairperson

Mrs. Jolina, Parombo Town Council Youth League Chairperson

Ms. Akwiyachwiny Judith, District Youth League General Secretary

These leaders, among other notable figures, have demonstrated open support for one particular candidate—raising serious concerns about impartiality and fear of misconduct during the party primary process.

For the Nebbi District Woman MP seat, four candidates have been nominated:

1. Hon. Acibu Agnes (Incumbent)

2. Bithola Irene

3. Nyamutoro Phiona

4. Odongtho Irene

It is important to note that three of the four candidates were seconded by ordinary voters, whereas only Minister Nyamutoro was seconded entirely by NRM structural leaders—further intensifying perceptions of bias.

This scenario raises fundamental questions regarding the neutrality and integrity of NRM party structure and it's leaders in Nebbi District. The conduct of these leaders does not only risks undermining the credibility of the party’s internal democratic processes but also threatens unity within the party ahead of the general elections.

It is our strong belief that party structural leaders are expected to remain neutral during the primaries and only rally behind the duly elected NRM flagbearers in the general elections. The current behavior of the implicated leaders contradicts this principle and, if unaddressed, may compromise the fairness of the primaries and sow division within the party.

We therefore call upon the NRM top leadership and relevant organs to urgently intervene in Nebbi District to:

Investigate the matter thoroughly,

Provide clear guidelines and reinforcement of party regulations regarding neutrality during primaries, and

Restore confidence in the party's internal electoral process.

This intervention is crucial to preserving party unity and ensuring a credible and fair primary election in Nebbi District.

Concerned NRM Member

Nebbi Distrct